A new 15-year contract paves the way for the creation of the Nickel Plate Express rail line.  According to my news-gathering partner, the Hamilton County Reporter, the new operating agreement between the Hoosier Heritage Port Authority and Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad, Inc. will utilize 12 miles of rail line between Atlanta and Noblesville, beginning operations in late summer.

“This is huge step forward,” said Toni Dickover, president of the Nickel Plate Heritage Railroad, Inc. Board of Directors, in a news release. “Now, we can begin restoration of the track and finalize our late summer, fall and holiday schedule.”

The Hoosier Heritage Port Authority, formed in 1994, manages the 37 miles of rail track from Tipton to 10th Street and the remaining track in Indianapolis. The track is owned by Fishers, Noblesville and Hamilton County, and the appointed representatives to the authority oversee all aspects of the rail line.

Improvements to the Arcadia Depot, downtown Atlanta and on the express’s passenger cars are under way. Delivery of the equipment is expected later this summer once track restoration is complete.