GONE FOREVER! CSX Hoosier Sub in 2023: Last Look at Classic Monon Semaphores, Crossings, & Signals

On Sunday, March 26th, 2023, me and ‪@IllinoisCentralVideography‬ and ‪@railfanproductions3294‬ took our last chance to explore and document the CSX Hoosier Sub before its ultimate demise. In February, CSX completely the sale of most of the line from Bedford to just north of New Albany to Radius Indiana, while selling the remaining 4 abandoned miles into New Albany to the city of New Albany. CSX still owns and operates 3 miles of the line there to serve Sazerac Distilling, and will continue to do so for the forseeable future.

The Hoosier Sub is a very historical line. It is the southern 60 or so miles of the Monon Railroad's mainline from Chicago to Louisville. Not only is it very scenic (for Indiana standards, at least), but it also features a DTC block system and ABS signals, most of which are classic semaphores. Almost all of them have had their blades stolen/saved, however 4 remain with blades, including one complete set in Campbellsburg. Other signals include US&S searchlights, an odd colorlight/searchlight combo at Smedley, and at one point 2 newer "Darth Vader" signals, however one was recently removed by CSX. CSX has already gone through and removed any signal equipment they see value in (i.e. modern stuff), and the rest will likely be thrown away.

We also took a look at several crossings and shook the signals in order to hear the bells ring one last time.

The City of New Albany and Radius Indiana both have full intentions to build a trail on this right of way, named the "Monon South Trail."

Enjoy this last look at CSX's Hoosier Sub before it is gone forever!

0:00 Yockey Road, Yockey, IN
0:12 Mitchell Interlocking (Indiana Sub diamonds removed)
0:26 Grissom Avenue, Mitchell, IN
0:33 Curry Street, Mitchell, IN
0:56 Mitchell Signal Yard
1:02 Orleans "Fogg," IN
1:15 Saltillo, IN
1:25 Campbellsburg, IN
1:52 Just south of Campbellsburg, IN
1:56 Smedley, IN
2:07 Hitchcock, IN
2:13 Rush Creek Road, near Salem, IN
2:16 Market Street, Salem, IN
2:30 High Street, Salem, IN
2:33 Salem Depot Railroad Museum
2:41 Bata Road, near Salem, IN
2:52 Harristown Road, Harristown, IN
2:55 MP 287.8, near Salem, IN
3:11 NE Borden, IN
3:27 Broom Hill, IN
3:31 Bald Knob Road, near New Albany, IN