I have been in Weirton, WV several times over the past two months. Here are some shots of the former PRR Panhandle that I managed to get. The photos progress west to east, starting in the old Weirton Junction Yard and end just west of the Panhandle (Rails To) Trail. They were taken on the side of the Route 22 bypass.
At the top of the photo we see two EMD SW1500s(?) diesel switchers. Below them are several coil cars. They rolling stock, locomotives, and yard all belong to Arcelor Mittal. Barely visible at the bottom of the photo are the old Panhandle tracks. I'm guessing they are still used to move trains in / out of Arcelor Mittal (formerly Weirton Steel). My favorite railroad bridge is way to the left of this photo (railroad west).
More yard and more mainline track convergence as we move east.
Barely visible through the trees, the Weirton Junction tracks head towards the steel mill while the old Panhandle tracks hug the bank of Harmon Creek and bend somewhat east southeast.
These photos were taken further east on the US 22 Bypass.
The track is gone here. I don't think this is part of the Rails-to-Trail segment.
Or maybe it is. That sure looks like a picnic table. Of course right next to it and below it is a massive pile of railroad ties.
This is interesting. At first glance, I thought it was a foot bridge for the trail. But I know the trail doesn't extend this far west. On closer examination, I found that it is some sort of tower (structure) lying on its side. Again, note the ties lying scattered near the photo bottom.
Hope you enjoyed it.
George
