What is a ballpark cost to have a switch put in. There is a location that I am intrested in maybe someday shipping equipment to. Problem the switch was removed after a derailment at that location. Here is a Google Map link Dropped pin
Near Shelburne Falls, MA 01370
https://maps.app.goo.gl/CMgZ2XptEwNHPWUG8

If a railroad is going to do the work, last figure I had was over $50,000.00 and I am sure that is too low now.

Harry

Well, here's what you need to tell us (or contact me at Stone Consulting)

Class 1 or Regional or Shortline (because the railroad has to install it, not you). Is this PASO?

PTC or not? (there's the huge difference or not, if you're going into a PTC controlled track)

Then you can get into the finer points of switch size, rail weight, and whether or not the connecting railroad is going to assess you an annual maintenance cost.

The sticker shock on new PTC turnouts is significant, because the electronic switch has to be added even if the turnout is manually thrown, and the underlying signal logic has to be modified. And you'll pay for all of it.

There also may be an old agreement if you dig, that if they remove it they have to put it back for a specific price, or other terms. Worth the search.

Within the last year or so, a local grain elevator was required to pay for a new main line switch (existing switch too worn out for main line service). NS billed them north of $300,000.00. Price included a new turnout, and installation.

Kent

Seems to be more common nowadays to truck out your piece of equipment to a siding or yard and then ship it from there on an appropriate flat car or cars or ship it on its own wheels. The switch dream doesn't seem a reality anymore .

Some if not all railroads also want a say in the siding beyond the switch... He in Nevada UP won't install a switch onto rail smaller than 115lb but will allow smaller rail on existing industrial sidings.

Mofre than 15 years ago, CSXT realized that they were using their older and smaller road engines to switch customers' sidings. But recently, they had only been buying 6 axle locomotives. So, they must prepare their customers for a day when all all of their sidings will have to be able to handle those large beasts.