Copper King Express waiting to reach track-use agreement

By Vera Haffey of The Montana Standard - 06/11/2006

ANACONDA — Passengers aboard the Copper King Express may have a stopover in Durant Canyon instead of the Berkeley Pit — until an agreement can be reached on the use of a sliver of track in the pit area.

The 1,000-foot section in question belongs to Burlington Northern Railroad, according to Paul McCarthy, president of Rarus Railway, the company that owns the excursion train.

It’s important because it’s the only spot on the track in Butte that’s suitable for loading passengers, and it’s where the train turns around.

McCarthy said the short stretch has been used for freight operations by Rarus — formerly the Butte, Anaconda & Pacific Railway — since the early 1900s.

So, “We didn’t think there would be an issue for the passenger car.” However, Kelly Duryea, Burlington Northern’s general director of transportation in Billings, said the two railroads must finalize a trainage rights agreement that’s required by federal law before the passenger train can use the shortline track.

“We’re not trying to be hard-nosed about it or anything,” Duryea said, but the detail must be attended to. “I assured Paul we can get it done.” The change in the itinerary that usually includes a stop at the pit probably won’t last long, McCarthy and Duryea agree.

Duryea hopes to have it resolved in a week or so.

“The bottom line is, we’re going to work out an agreement,” Duryea said. “We’ll get that taken care of to make it a win-win situation for everybody.” McCarthy said Friday’s passengers mostly understood when they were told about the altered itinerary. Their Web site also explains that the itinerary may be subject to change.

Instead of a view of the pit, passengers were allowed to get off the train in Durant Canyon.

“It’s right where German Gulch Creek comes through, so it’s very picturesque,” he said. “About 90 percent of the passengers felt satisfied that we were doing the best that we could.” On Memorial Day weekend, Rarus Railway began offering passenger train rides on Fridays and Saturdays via the historic railroad between Anaconda and Butte.

Since then, seats on the Copper King Express have been selling out in advance, McCarthy said, but many dates are still available.

On the Net: Visit www.copperkingexpress.com.

Reporter Vera Haffey may be reached via e-mail at vera.haffey@lee.net.