Manayunk Spur- Norfolk Southern

Does anybody know if the spur that serves Smurfit-Stone Paper on Venice Island still runs? I was just there and the tracks aren't in a bad condition. The crossing was recently replaced, and it has new signage. I haven't seen a train there except for a while ago, when I was very little. From what I've researched I have found that it is believed to run once a week, and uses an SW1001. (2100-2103?)

http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=130&t=56945
 
Does anybody know if the spur that serves Smurfit-Stone Paper on Venice Island still runs? I was just there and the tracks aren't in a bad condition. The crossing was recently replaced, and it has new signage. I haven't seen a train there except for a while ago, when I was very little. From what I've researched I have found that it is believed to run once a week, and uses an SW1001. (2100-2103?)

http://www.railroad.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=130&t=56945

Where is this?

Smurfit-Stone Paper had filed Chapter 11 back in 2009. They were one of the largest customers of a company I worked for because of the connection through digital imaging equipment. My company went out of business shortly afterwards because of the big drop in revenue. Perhaps the good news is they are out of reorganization and are in operation again. The printing and packaging industry took a big hit during the last recession and never quite recovered completely. I hope this is good sign.

John
 
I dont think it runs once a week anymore, but a friend of mine just posted a shot he took in that area of a SW1001 ( only things certified to run that trackage so 6 units total are qualified for that trackage) that was taken last week. He did say that this run was the first in quite some time so I think its an as needed job these days.

-Kevin
 
I just wanted to clear this up that there was another Smurfit-Stone plant in Phila. That closed and I think a different company runs the mill in Manayunk. From google maps and street view and what I've seen in real life, it does appear to be active,
but I agree it would be on an as-needed basis. I think it was used more, then went more to truck service, and now has used more rail service.
 
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