THUNDER BAY - The Muskeg Express is closed for the remainder of the season after an engine issue closed the rail on the August long weekend.
After the city set aside $50,000 for maintenance to get the Centennial Park amusement ride operational after sitting idle last year, the mini-train operated for just three weeks.
Cory Halvorsen, the city’s manager of parks and open spaces, said the issue is due to the engine’s inability to stay on the rail.
The problem is independent of the initial $50,000 investment, which was dedicated to rail alignment and rail tie replacement, according to Halvorsen.
“The main issue we addressed prior to operating was the track alignment,” said Halvorsen. “We went through and aligned the [width and length] of the track.”
During the three weeks of operation the engine came off of the rails twice - both times with passengers on board.
“Now that we’ve seen two examples, we’re able to get into the problem-solving side, and that’s essentially where we’re at,” Halvorsen said. “That’s why it’s been removed from service. In the interest of safety… we need to get to the bottom of this.”
Halvorsen said there’s no estimate on the time or cost it will take to repair the ride.
“At this point, we’re committed. It’s become clear over the last year that there’s a demand and appreciation for the ride,” he said.
The ride was only scheduled to be open until the end of August.
