Kensington in Prince County, Prince Edward Island — The Atlantic Provinces (North America)
Challenges in Store for the PEI Railway
Défis Attendaient la PEI Railway
— Kensington PEI Rail Depot —
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2019
1. Challenges in Store for the PEI Railway Marker
With its debt in hand, there were other challenges in store for the PEI Railway.
The Island's soil is excellent for farming, but makes a poor foundation for train tracks. Millions of tons of mainland gravel were imported to make a proper roadbed. Even so, every spring the thaw made the rails buckle and heave.
The route, again, was an issue. The straightest line possible is the easiest, fastest and safest to navigate, but the Island's terrain was a challenge for crews. There were 65 stations to service, one every 4 km (2.5 miles) on average, and roughly two curves for every 1.6 km (1 mile) of track along the meandering route. The train rarely travelled as fast as it was able, and many of the stations along the route were flag stations where the engineer was required to stop if someone was waiting.
En plus de sa dette, d’autres défis attendaient la PEI Railway.
Le sol de l'île est excellent pour la culture, mais pas pour recevoir des rails. Des millions de tonnes de gravier ont été importées afin de construire une assise adéquate. Mais malgré
this page online
Le trajet aussi était un enjeu important. La ligne la plus directe aussi lai plus facile, la plus rapide et la plus sécuritaire, mais géographie de l'île causait problème aux équipages. On retrouvait 65 gares en service, soit une à tous les 4 km (2,5 miles) en moyenne et environ deux courbes à tous les 1,6 km (1 mile) de rail le long de ces méandres. Le train atteignait rarement les vitesses dont il était capable et plusieurs gares le long de la voie n'étaient que des arrêts facultatifs, où le train ne s'arrêtait que si quelqu'un y attendait.
Erected by Prince Edward Island Museum & Heritage, and the Confederation Trail.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars.
Location. 46° 26.249′ N, 63° 38.36′ W. Marker is in Kensington, Prince Edward Island, in Prince County. Marker can be reached from Commercial Street east of Imperial Street, on the left when traveling east. Marker is located along the Confederation Trail, near the former Kensington Railroad Depot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 21 Commercial Street, Kensington PE C0B 1M0, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The PEI Railway Began Operation on 25 May, 1875 (a few steps from this marker); Unique Architecture and Cultural Significance
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 17, 2019
2. Challenges in Store for the PEI Railway Marker
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Kensington PEI Rail Depot
Also see . . . Prince Edward Island Railway (Wikipedia). The PEIR was frequently criticized for its meandering path, reputedly caused by construction contractors who were paid by the mile; this may also be accounted for in economies taken by reducing the amount of grading and trenching required by going around hills and obstacles. By 1872, construction debts threatened to bankrupt the colony. (Submitted on April 26, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on April 25, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 87 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 26, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
