Siskiyou Line reopens in Southern Oregon - KOBI-TV NBC5 / KOTI-TV NBC2

Medford, Ore. — It was a historic day in the Rogue Valley as the Siskiyou Line re-opened, and dozens gathered in Medford to celebrate the rebirth of 95 miles of track between Southern Oregon and Northern California.

The Siskiyou Line first opened in the late 1800’s but service shut down in 2008. Now, thanks to a public-private partnership, and a $7.1-million grant, the line is up and running 7 years later.

As of this week, 2 trains will now run from Oregon to Weed, California, providing freight service to businesses like Roseburg Forest Products.

Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad officials say the trains will be a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly means of transportation, with every rail car replacing more than 3 tractor-trailers.

With the reopening of the line, comes an increase in rail traffic. Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad officials remind residents to stay off of the tracks at all times, as it is illegal and extremely dangerous.