By KRWG News
New Mexico – The summer season for the historic Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad kicked off this weekend. But the long-awaited reopening of the tourist train's full route remains on hold.
Repairs to the fire-damaged sections of the historic Lobato Trestle four miles north of Chama have been hampered by a wet and snowy May. That means passengers must hop a shuttle to the Cumbres station 11 miles away, beyond the damaged 100-foot-high trestle.
That also means more waiting for Chama merchants. Their livelihoods were dealt a blow after the fire last June prevented the train from making the full run between Chama and Antonito for most of the 2010 season.
Railroad officials announce a week ago the trestle would be open. They later told the Albuquerque Journal they were too optimistic.
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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.