Eldridge, Iowa-based Resourceful Rail on Jan. 8 reported acquiring the 2.23-mile West Erie Short Line, Inc., from NIWX Corporation and restoring service. WESL—located on the west side of Erie, Pa., where it interchanges with Norfolk Southern (NS)—joins Resourceful Rail’s 3.2-mile Davenport Industrial Railroad (DIR), which interchanges with Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC).
In addition to hauling cement, plastics, steel products, and machinery, WESL offers transloading and railcar storage services to customers in Erie County and the surrounding region.
“Founded in 1995, WESL was formed by Erie Press Systems to preserve rail service on former Bessemer and Lake Erie trackage,” Resourceful Rail said. “Acquired by NIWX in 2022, WESL had laid dormant for over a decade, and Resourceful Rail crews have been working diligently the past few months to return the line to service.”
WESL has also leased additional track from NS to support future growth, according to Resourceful Rail.
“We’re excited to expand into Northwest Pennsylvania,” said Steve Berish, President of Resourceful Rail, which also provides contract switching, transloading and rail consulting services. “WESL is fantastic opportunity for our team to expand our footprint, and combined with our Class I partner, Norfolk Southern, we looking forward to supporting the region’s economic growth.”
