Pensacola, Fl
Among the devastation caused by Hurricane Sally, still seen on Wednesday, was ruptured railways along the Gulf of Escambia.
This railroad through Scenic Heights along Escambia Bay has become quiet, with regular cargo haulage put off as work crews do extensive damage to the tracks.
The stretch of trail is raised along Escambia Bay through Scenic Heights and into Pensacola Harbor – some bits appear to be torn from the ground.
The drone can see the Skanska wash ashore – it’s unclear if it was responsible for any damage.
Judge Gary Bergusch and his son Ben live along the damaged paths. They took six miles to walk to get everything.
“There are a lot of curved lanes, a lot of boats out there and a lot of drifting areas where they can’t drive their cars on the right track,” Bergusch said. “It is very dangerous.”
The line is operated by the Florida Gulf Atlantic Railroad. Its boss says they have contractors already working on repairs.
Pensacola Mayor Grover Robinson suggests this might be an opportunity for something different.
“We’ll see what happens with the railway company,” he said. “But it could be a great railroad track opportunity for us. That could be the opportunity.”
It’s a change that Bergus says could be a good idea.
“There are a lot of people in Pensacola wanting to see the train moving away from the city center,” said Robinson. “This could be an opportunity to take advantage of that.”
But that is not the plan now. The head of the railway company says the repairs should be completed within three weeks.
