CHICOPEE/CHESTER, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) — An historic dining car from Bernie’s Depot in Chicopee made its 30-mile trek to Chester, but now it is stuck just 100-feet from its new home. Western Mass News has the story of this train’s troubles and how the town of Chester plans to change its track.
A trolley problem in Hampden County, something town leaders like Andrew Alward, Chester Town Administrator, never anticipated they would have to mitigate. He tells us, “Nobody’s recently dealt with anything like this in the town.”
Their famous Chester Railroad Station and Museum is getting a new addition: a dining car from Bernie’s Depot in Chicopee. “You know, it’s a great attraction. We have a lot of patrons who go there, and it’s a big, you know, town kind of centerpiece,” Alward continued.
After the restaurant closed in 2022, it was decided the historic train car would travel northwest where it could be enjoyed by all who visit the museum. The car departed from its spot in late November, and made its way to Chester, but could only make it 99% of the trip.
To get to the museum you have to travel under a bridge, something that the town and the people moving the car think the train will not fit under.
Alward comments on the issue, telling us, “So, as from that standpoint, we’re just looking to make sure that whenever the roads are being used that, you know, we’re not restricting traffic.” That tunnel is the only way in or out of that part of town where at least a hundred people live.
A meeting is being held on Monday night to figure out how to get the train to cross the tracks and while making sure that emergency personnel are prepared in case of an emergency.
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