Scenic Colorado railroad plans to resume full service

DURANGO, Colo. – A scenic railroad that runs through the southwestern Colorado mountains is planning to resume coal-fired steam engine service after shutting down last month because of fire restrictions.

The Durango Herald reports the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad aims to start full service Thursday after it suspended operations June 1 for a fire in the San Juan National Forest.

La Plata County commissioners are expected to consider Wednesday downgrading fire restrictions that banned coal-fired steam engines.

General manager John Harper says the tourist attraction will work with local agencies to make sure it’s safe to run the coal-fired engines.

Harper says 150 employees were furloughed because of the closure, which he estimated caused an economic loss of about $33 million to the area.

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Information from: Durango Herald, http://www.durangoherald.com

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