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Troop Train

May 2011
On May 28th the Arkansas & Missouri hosted their annual troop train ride, honoring all military personnel.  All veterans, retired or active duty, rode the train free and were treated to lunch. This year the veterans riding from Springdale to Van Buren enjoyed spaghetti, salad and garlic bread prepared by Bother's Cottage Cafe.  After lunch everyone grabbed a seat along Main Street to view the Old Fort Days Rodeo Parade!  We would like to thank all of our sponsors and supporters - Crossroads Cafe, Brother's Cottage Cafe, Main Attratction, Mayor Doug Sprouse,and Alderman Johnnie Ragsdale. We will be looking forward to seeing all of our wonderful veterans again next year!

Water, Water Everywhere

May 2011
Clearly the greatest challenges faced by the A&M thus far in 2011 have been provided not by the still-sputtering economy but by Mother Nature.  Since the first of the year, A&M Engineering Department forces have dealt with three significant weather events, one dating back to September, 2010.  At that time, unusual fall flooding had undermined a pier of a century-old concrete bridge north of Chester, AR.  Due to the age of the structure, A&M decided to replace it entirely with a new pre-cast concrete bridge.  Temporary repairs were made to the existing structure and replacement was completed in March, 2011, with a three-day outage required for final assembly. 

By the time that project was completed, A&M had already witnessed the record-ever snowfall in Northwest Arkansas, on February 9, 2011, when 23 inches of snow were recorded in Northwest Arkansas.  The heavy snowfall created numerous issues for both the railroad and its customers, although we were able to provide switching service throughout the event. 

The most disruptive storm, however, arrived on April 21 and continued through the 27th, depositing over 19 inches of rain in the peak three day period on Springdale and even greater quantities high in the Boston Mountains.  The mountain creeks and rivers became torrents, ultimately creating washouts at ten locations between Springdale and Mountainburg.  Once again, A&M personnel, with help from suppliers and contractors, went to work once the rain stopped on April 27, with the first train operating south from Springdale on Saturday, April 30th. 

As Chairman, I deeply appreciate the efforts of our employees, not only the Engineering Department personnel who put in very long hours to repair damage, clear debris and replace structures, but also employees in other departments who supported their efforts or dealt with service interruptions and rescheduled shipments.  Once service was restored, catching up backlogged shipments required considerable effort as well.   The A&M also thanks the employees of sister company Ozark Transmodal who moved a lot of rock for us and the Kansas City Southern, which supplied us with three side dump cars even as they combatted their own flooding issues.  

We all appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers who endured delays to their rail shipments and equipment supply, all the while dealing with weather-related issues themselves.  The whole team at A&M very much appreciates your business, without which ours would not be possible. 

J. Reilly McCarren,
Chairman of the Board

A&M and BNSF Host Customer Appreciation Ride

March 17, 2011
The BNSF and the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad joined together to provide a unique opportunity to both see the A&M railroad and discuss business opportunities with excutives from both companies.  The train traveled from Fort Smith, AR to Butterfield, MO, close to the junction where the A&M and BNSF connect at Monett, MO and then returned to Springdale, AR.  During the trip guests viewed signs of the significant investments in the A&M rail infrastructure, including a new bridge at Schaberg, AR that was completed on March 6th.  A&M takes great pride in providing the highest quality rail infrastructure, so that we can handle the same large and heavy shipments as our larger rail partners, and move shipments quickly to and from those connections.

A&M and BNSF share many historical connections, since our line was constructed by the Frisco Railroad, the great majority of which forms part of BNSF today.  BNSF  and its predecessors have been drivers of many innovations in the railroad industry and provide a key connection for customers and communities served by the A&M.  Now part of Berkshire Hathaway, BNSF Railway continues to be a driving force in the U.S. rail network, and will invest $3.5 B this year in infrastructure.  At a time of constrained public budgets, America's railroads, both large and small, are commirred to a robust, private-financed freight network.

BNSF and A&M also share a dedication to customer service, and want to provide high-quality logistics solutions for the transportation needs of our customers.  In that regard, A&M is privileged to serve no less than 14 public logistics facilities. These facilities provide access to all modes and customized, specialized handling and storage needs

The Jones Center's Big Night! Big Hair!  Big Fun was a Big Success!

April 30th, 2011
The Jones Center held Big Night, a fund raising event on April 30th was held at George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville.  Featuring the 80's cover band, The Zeros, the evening including dancing, heavy appetizers, live auction and an 80's custome contest.  Many of the attendees rode the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad from Springdale to Fayetteville. Approximately, 300 people attended the event.

New Crossings

Spring 2011
Our Maintenance of Way (MOW) department has the responsibility for maintaining the track and the right of way of the railroad, including structures such as; bridges, trestles, crossings, replacement of ties, surfacing of the track, construction of new track and other repair issues. 

This spring has been a busy time for the MOW crew building new side track for customers along the railroad line as well as upgrading and repairing crossings throughout the region.  The crews work closely with local city and state officials to determine and prioritize which crossings need upgrades or replacements.  Crossing upgrades typically consists of repairs to the track as well as the approaches to the crossings.

The MOW crew must coordinate many diverse elements in planning the repair of a crossing.  A detailed schedule and work plan must be strictly  followed to minimize disruptions. Cities and counties departments, such as fire, police and EMS must be notified to plan alternative routes for responses.  Roads must be closed and traffic detoured, as well as train schedules altered.

New crossings have been installed at the following crossings:
      * Highway 412 in Springdale, AR
      * Old Wire Road
      * Highway 264
      * New Hope and Highway 94 in Rogers, AR   
      * Highway 127 near Garfield, AR