News: Abbotsford - Restore Soo Line Service (Flood - 1941)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

----Source: The Tribune-Phonograph (Abbotsford, WI) 9/05/2018

Originally published in the Abbotsford Tribune, September 6, 1941

Soo Line restores service after flood

Soo Line service at various points on the Stevens Point division was restored Tuesday, except in one area, between Owen and Sheldon, after being disrupted because of flood waters.

Numerous washouts on the Ashland line between Spencer and Ashland have been repaired, and all trains resumed operation there today.

The Superior line is open by detouring trains from Spencer via Prentice to Ladysmith. Part of a bridge at Sheldon, 32 miles from Owen, was pushed out of line by floodwaters. Piling is being driven there, and it is expected that the job will be completed by Wednesday or Thursday.

The Soo experienced serious trouble at Irvine also. At the peak of the high water, 36 inches of water covered the tracks in the yards for about a mile. It had receded to 14 inches Tuesday morning, permitting resumption of train services. This flood was caused by a dam going out.

While no figures were available, it was estimated that the damage to Soo Line property would amount to thousands of dollars. Because of the disrupted train service, Abbotsford was without mail until Monday.