PREX 1301 at O'Brien Steel in 2004.
(Fair Use, Title 17, Section 107, via David P. Jordan https://www.youtube.com/@bn13814)
PIONEER INDUSTRIAL RAILWAY (PRY)
The Pioneer Industrial Railway (PRY) holds a unique place in the history of railroads, operating as a significant part of the industrial landscape since its inception. Owned by Pioneer Railcorp Lines since 1994, it began operating the city-owned Peoria, Peoria Heights & Western Railroad (PPHW) on February 20, 1998.
A Short but Significant History
The Pioneer Industrial Railway (PRY) operates a relatively short line, covering approximately 4.5 miles of track. For a period, it served several customers including Carver Lumber, Gateway Milling, O'Brien Steel, and Peoria Plastics, which have since ceased operations or stopped shipping. As of 2018, the line had no active customers and was primarily used for car storage, although at that time, no cars were actually stored on the line. The PRY interchanges with the Union Pacific Railroad in North Peoria, Illinois, highlighting its connection to the broader rail network.
Ownership and Future Uncertainty
The ownership of the Pioneer Industrial Railway has evolved over the years. Since 1994, it was under the ownership of Pioneer Railcorp Lines. In a significant development, Patriot Rail acquired Pioneer Industrial Railway in August 2022, following its purchase of Pioneer Lines. Despite its operational history, the future of the PRY is uncertain, making it a subject of interest for rail enthusiasts and historians alike.
20 Years of the Pioneer Industrial Railway - Part 1 (of 3)
The Pioneer Industrial Railway (PRY), which began operating the City-owned, Peoria, Peoria Heights & Western Railroad (PPHW) on February 20, 1998, is remembered in this documentary by David P. Jordan. Narrated using a mix of stills (1998-2001) and video (2002-2004), it covers the carrier's birth, growth and development until it earned the enmity of those who desired the tracks on which it operated as right-of-way for a recreational trail.
Overview
Reporting Marks: PREX/PRY
Parent Company: Patriot Rail
Headquarters: Peoria, IL
Dates of Operation: 1994 - present
Website Official Website
