Where can I purchase railroad ties in Massachusetts?

Question

Where can I purchase railroad ties in Massachusetts?

Answer 1

It's tough for an individual to get ties right from a railroad. Even though the railroads have to pay for tie removal (it's their benefit if people haul them away for free), they don't like the idea of clumsy, lawsuit-crazy civilians on the right-of-way.

Answer 2

Chris,

Usually your local landscaping company will carry them although if not consider checking your nearest railroad office and asking them for used ties, sometimes they will simply give them to you (when doing this make sure that you are speaking with management and not a local maintenance crew).

Answer 3

Landscapers are your best bet.

When tie gangs complete a major restoration, contractors are the ones who initially come by the ties.  They purchase and remove them.  It is their business and they are not interested in giving them away.

Good ties from a landscaper can range anywhere between $8 and $15 each.  The contactor probably got them for $1 each.

If one does buy ties, be sure and keep your receipt.  It is not unknown for police to check for receipts when seeing private parties traveling with them, as they are often the target of thieves.

Answer 4

In NJ this is how it worked

You contacted the railroad police.

got a permit and they would tell you where you could go to pick up the old ties.

This was so you would not get a ticket for tresspassing and theft.

But they have creasol - spelling - on the ties. you really do not want that cancer causing agent at your house.

Cheaper to go to the home center and get some pressure treated lumber for your design.

may I have a Ba for protecting you agains cancer.

Answer 5

Go to the local train yard, look for the Engineering Dept (Section Crew) and ask for a form for used ties.

CSXT in Cayce give old ties to anyone if they have them in the yard or along the track in some location.

Best to talk to the track foreman.