CSX M648 with the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad (CE&I) heritage unit leading heads north across the Ohio River from Henderson, Kentucky, after members of the Henderson Fire Department finished putting out an initial tie fire on the bridge that spans the river on the CSX Henderson Subdivision at Henderson, Kentucky on October 26th, 2024, and fortunately except for the ties, the bridge is made out of steel.
The fire did disrupt traffic on the CSX Henderson Subdivision for a couple hours and while CSX M648 did make it across after being delayed about 30 minutes and after the ties were first put out, afterwards the ties reignited and delayed hot intermodal I025 on the Evansville, IN, side of the river for almost two hours, till the ties were completely extinguished.
According to the CSX Website: July 26, 2024 – CSX has unveiled its 17th heritage locomotive, paying tribute to the historic Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad. This locomotive is part of CSX’s ongoing series celebrating the rich legacy of America’s railroads.
The C&EI was established in 1877, initially serving as a regional line connecting Chicago with southern Illinois, St. Louis, Mo. and Evansville, Ind. Over time, it expanded its reach, becoming an important link between the Midwest and the southern United States. The C&EI played a vital role in transporting coal, agricultural products, and manufactured goods, significantly contributing to the region’s economic development.
In 1967, the C&EI was absorbed by the Missouri Pacific Railroad and the Louisville and Nashville Railroad. In the 1980s, as CSX expanded its network, it acquired various lines and assets from other railroads, including parts of former C&EI lines that had been integrated into the Missouri Pacific. This indirect acquisition process allowed CSX to incorporate the historic routes and legacy of the C&EI into its expansive system.
Tech Info: DJI Mavic 3 Classic Drone, RAW, 24mm, f/5, 1/1250,