| While the semaphores are falling like flies on CORP's
Siskiyou Line in southern Oregon, the wigwags have mostly been spared the
hook. Only one has been removed in the last 3 or 4 years - Yoncalla in
May, 2000. Things will change soon...
The next wigwag fatality will likely be at 3 Pines Road
in Hugo. According to Signal-God Rick Perry, as a result of a recent mechanical
failure, this wigwag will be replaced by flashers in February. A new signal
control box was installed in preparation for new gates in May, 2000, but
plans fell through as a result of some red tape with ODOT. This gave the
wigwag a couple more years. Unfortunately, due to the recent failure, it
must be replaced.
Other CORP wigwags on short time are 11th St. in Medford
and eventually Dole Rd at Round Prairie (south of Roseburg). There was
talk of some work planned in Ashland that would close Oak St., but I haven't
heard anything new on this. CORP fans are now guessing which wigwag will
last the longest. Likely will be a toss-up between Thornton Oar (near Reedsport)
and Ager-Beswick near Hornbrook, Ca. The wigwag at Tolo Rd. (near Medford)
should be safe for a while too.
Above photo taken from the cab of HLCX 6522 by Larry Tuttle
last August. The water car was used to minimize fire danger during the
summer. |
