Rail line shutdown looming in northern Maine

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) -- The collapse of the nation's housing market is being blamed for a railway's plans to abandon hundreds of miles of track in far-flung northern Maine that have served the region for more than a century.

The Montreal, Maine & Atlantic Railway has filed notice with the federal government that it intends to abandon 233 miles of track that stretch across the northern third of the state, from Millinocket to Madawaska.

Railroad President Bob Grindrod says freight revenue has plunged as shipments of lumber, logs and wood chips have fallen. The products are largely used in home construction.

State officials and legislators are trying to figure out how the tracks might be spared. If those efforts fail, train service could start shutting down in late June.

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