Ridge Runner Train
"All Aboard" for family fun!
The train attracted tourists to the world's smallest interstate railroad, but the completion of I-77 in 1976 with tunnels through East River and Big Walker Mountains, took traffic away from old U.S. Route 21-52. The Ridge Runner has found a new home at the Bluefield City Park (Lotito Park), Bluefield, WV. Cost per person: $1.00.
The Ridge Runner opens for it's third exciting season on April 6 2013.
History
The city re-launched the Ridge Runner in 1984, but time took a toll on the train and the track and with limited revenues as well as increasing maintenance costs, the city parked the train in its underground tunnel/garage complex where it remained until the a rail excursion to Bluefield from Roanoke, Va., prompted Andy Merriman, the city manager, to consider ways to promote the city's railroad theme.
The Save the Ridge Runner Committee exceeded all expectations with fundraising success, with in-kind and cash donations totaling $194,357. RJ Mine Services put $100,000 into the effort in in-kind contributions by restoring the locomotive to its 1964 glory.
Jamie Clark and Timmy Varney of RJ Mine Services carefully placed the locomotive back on the track as Gary Blankenship, a mobile crane operator with Cleco Corp., of Rosedale, Va., gently set the locomotive on the tracks. A small crowd that had gathered Thursday morning to witness the event broke out into a spontaneous round of applause. As the sun peaked through the clouds, the Ridge Runner was on track again for a new era of service to the region.
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