Why not keep the rail line? Isn it an asset to both Johnson City and Elizabethton?
The line has been out of service since 2003 and future commercial use is highly unlikely; otherwise, G&W would not wish to sell it. While the closing of the Tweetsie Line is the subject of acrimonious and emotional debate, the fact is that there is no reason to think that any company will attempt to operate it in the foreseeable future. There are no customers in Elizabethton or Carter County, and no reasonable expectation that any will develop. G&W’s offer to sell has not drawn bids from any rail operators; only from the cities of Johnson City and Elizabethton, and salvage companies which would remove the rails and ties, then abandon the route. Q: But couldn’t the line be used for other purposes, like excursions? A: The cost of upgrading the line for passenger excursion use is estimated by rail professionals to be in the million dollar range, and this does not include the cost of rolling stock. With a probable use of only a few excursions a year, and those only 10 miles each way, the c
