The big move!
Yes! The day had finally come! On the night of March 14th, 2020 at ten P.M., the Gulf Mobile & Ohio Railroad diverted all traffic through the turnouts located at the north end and south end
of the main line onto the main siding. At the same time railway employees began loading an assigned boxcar and likewise an assigned flat car that were both located at the Murphysboro freight house. Also in the line up was
a boxcar that had been loaded some weeks before. The purpose of the rolling stock was to transport all administration, passenger operations and express parcel service to the newly completed passenger depot. Previously, all
local railroad activity was using the freight house. This arrangement was burdensome to say the least. Now the office and executive activity will be located upstairs. The passenger and baggage activity will be on the first
floor. This move as stated will started at ten and go until completion. The railroad has all hands available on the job. This should last no later than first light and perhaps much sooner. The depot itself is complete. The
porch, as yet not built, will be done in stages so as to allow foot traffic safe access to the depot. Specifically, if workmen are building over one of the three doors the door will be blocked and the other two doors will
be used. After the porch is done, foot traffic will be routed through the appropriate walk in doors. As a further note, one door will be for railroad employee use only. The baggage room doors will have a similar treatment
as well. It has been noted that a celebratory atmosphere permeated the workers and public as well due to the opening of the new depot. I am sure a party will follow the move. Looking forward to the party, omscaler
