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Yesterday, the Timber Rock Railroad (TIBR) lifted an embargo on traffic moving in the Conroe Subdivision between Silsbee and Dobbin, Texas. A Watco Cos. Inc. subsidiary, the 290-mile short line embargoed all traffic after Hurricane Rita struck on Saturday.

However, portions of TIBR’s mainline between Silsbee and DeRidder, La., still are covered with debris.

"We have worked since Sunday to clear trees and other debris from the track," said TIBR General Manager Pat LaCaze in a prepared statement. "It has been a slow process because of the general condition of this region."

The short line expects to open the Beaumont Subdivision between Silsbee and Beaumont, Texas, tomorrow. The San Augustine Subdivision between Silsbee and Tenaha, Texas, and DeRidder Subdivision between Kirbyville, Texas, and DeRidder — which sustained the most damage — might open by early next week.

"We are still in the early stages of evaluating damage to the Timber Rock and will be continuing the embargo on a day-to-day basis," said Watco Chief Commerical Officer Ed McKechnie.