Columbus, OH to Ridgeville, IN

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Map submitted by Aaron M.
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Looking east in Piqua, OH, just east of the Great Miami River bridge on the right-of-way. Photo by Aaron M., July 2010.

This railroad, known as the Columbus to Chicago Main Line, began life as the Columbus, Piqua and Indiana Railroad in 1858. After a series of acquisitions and mergers, it became the Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad in 1916. In 1921, the railroad became part of the Pennsylvania Railroad.

In its heyday, this line was one of the PRR's mainlines, and (based on system maps) was double tracked for the majority of the route. Between Urbana, OH and Piqua, OH, this line was triple-tracked. At Bradford, the Columbus-to-Indianapolis (via Bradford) main line branched out and went south (also abandoned, see Bradford, OH to Indianapolis, IN).

Tragedy struck on May 21, 1945, when a westbound train carrying soldiers home from the war derailed, killing 1 and injuring 24. Details of this wreck can be found here.

In 1968, the PRR merged with the NYC to become the Penn Central, itself becoming part of Conrail in 1976. Conrail abandoned this route in 1983.

Today, the ROW remains largely undeveloped, except in Piqua, OH, where an 11-mile long railtrail, dubbed "Linear Park" has been built.

Thanks to Aaron M. for contributing information about this route.

It is positively criminal that this line was taken out, especially the connecting section between Columbus and Indianapolis. It would have made an ideal high-speed corridor between the two cities. Credit our always short-sighted public representatives.

Ed
Cincinnati, OH
6/25/2010

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L. Stanley Crane of Conrail decided to abandon this line in the early 80s, continuing the rationalization of their lines, but it was more of an anti-competitive move to keep Sante Fe from buying the line and infringing on Conrail service territory. You can search Google to find more about that. The State of Ohio put millions into this line in the late 70s to help Conrail but then they ripped it up, so our public officials did try to help, but I'm guessing they didn't have the funds to purchase the line from Conrail (early 80s were tough times). There is a McDonald's in Plain City and if you sit in the front of the restaurant you are sitting right on the former double-track main. Also there is a curvy bridge on OH 161 just west of Plain City, taking you over the ROW.

Ryan
Mt. Vernon, OH
9/4/2010

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In 1981,when we lived in Piqua,OH,I remember seeing eight or so trains a day on this line after L Stanley Crane had downgraded the traffic. Also I remember the TP&W trains as well as the N&W coal drags pulled by Conrail locomotives. I enjoyed seeing the Bradford,OH tower and talking with the operators.In 1984 the line experienced a increase in traffic for the last time due to Conrail's work on the B Line ex Big Four, NYC Line. It was a sad day to see the Panhandle Line being taken up through the Piqua area the year later. If this line was still open it would be busy with train traffic.

Dave
Urbana, OH
7/3/2011

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The ROW has been sold to a number of private owners, mostly farmers. Many have mined out the ballast to sell as gravel fill. The segment from Plain City Ohio to just east of Urbana offers the off-road motorcyclist an easy and pleasant path. However, although not posted, some landowners object to riders passing thru - mostly due to people cutting off where bridges are not possible and riding thru crop fields. Supermoto motorcycles are a great way to explore these old lines as the smooth tires do not damage the land and the quiet engines do not draw attention.

Hans Krugger
Jambotown, WY
3/25/2012

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There is a short section about 1.5 miles long left in Urbana. The Indiana and Ohio uses it to switch a few industries in Urbana. The train goes into town 3-5 days a week.

The train goes north from Springfield on teh old NYC Bellefontaine branch and uses the connecting track to get down to the right of way of this line. The old Pennsylvania depot is maintained as a nice little coffeehouse. The old Erie line to Dayton right of way is made into a nice bike trail as well.

Brian Spirito
Englewood, OH
6/8/2012

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Shortened Link: http://a-r.us/h6q
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