Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Railroad, "The Laurel Line"

Published: August 16, 2024

The Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Railroad (L&WV), affectionately nicknamed "The Laurel Line," is a pivotal chapter in the narrative of northeastern Pennsylvania's railroading history.

Established in the early 20th century as an electrified interurban, the L&WV provided essential passenger and freight services between Scranton and Wilkes-Barre for more than a half-century, the two principal cities in Pennsylvania's anthracite region.

The L&WV was unique for an interurban; it was well funded from the start through the Westinghouse interests, and thanks to its considerable passenger business proved quite profitable even after much of the industry had withered by the 1920s. This article explores the formation, growth, operational challenges, and eventual legacy of the L&WV.

The Lackawanna & Wyoming Valley Railroad, "The Laurel Line," began operations in 1903 connecting Scranton to Wilkes-Barre on a system that stretched 19 miles. The L&WV operated both interurban passenger and freight service, the former being abandoned in 1952. Electric operation lasted until 1953 before it too was scrapped. In 1957 it was acquired by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western. Freight service survived until 1976.

Early Beginnings

In his book, "The Electric Interurban Railways In America," Drs. George Hilton and John Due note Scranton and Wilkes-Barre were linked by three steam railroads at the turn of the 20th century but none provided sufficient service between the cities.

Wishing to fulfull this unmet need, the Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Railroad was chartered in 1903. In an unconventional move for an interurban, ownership elected to incorporate the system as a steam railroad to utilize the powers of eminent domain.

In doing so the L&WV boasted no street running - another interurban rarity - except near its primary terminal in Wilkes-Barre and was not built along a county road or major highway.

Its primary goal was to establish a modern, high-speed rapid transit system linking the bustling city of Scranton with Wilkes-Barre and Pittston, key industrial and commercial hubs in the Wyoming Valley. The founders envisioned a cutting-edge transportation network that would cater to the growing demand for efficient, reliable, and frequent transportation between these economic centers.

Construction and Infrastructure

The challenges of building an electric interurban through the rugged terrain of northeastern Pennsylvania were significant.

However, The Laurel Line was well-funded from the outset. Its right-of-way was anywhere between 60-150 feet wide, extensively graded, and featured 40 bridges (its most impressive was a 682-foot span at Avoca).

One of the most remarkable engineering feats was the 4,747-foot-long Laurel Line Tunnel at South Scranton. At a cost of $500,000 it remains an enduring testament to the ingenuity and determination of the interurban's builders.

The mainline, spanning approximately 19 miles, was electrified using 650 volts DC. Electrification was achieved via a third-rail system, which ensured smooth and reliable operation. The only locations featuring overhead catenary was within the Wilkes-Barre city limits and near the Scranton carbarn for safety reasons.

The L&WV's promoters had hopes of constructing an expansive 200 mile network of electrified service throughout the region to points such as Carbondale and Nanticoke although these extensions were ultimately never built.

Aside from its main line - which had cost an astronomical $6 million - the system had one short branch between South Scranton and Dunmore which offered a connection to the Erie Railroad. This short spur maintained passenger service from its 1904 opening until 1945. The L&WV also connected with the Lehigh Valley and Delaware, Lackawanna & Western.

Launch and Early Operations

The Lauel Line commenced operations on May 20, 1903. The inaugural service was met with considerable enthusiasm, as the L&WV offered a new level of convenience, speed, and clean transportation (sans sooty steam locomotives) for passengers traveling between Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, and Pittston.

The L&WV was a highly successful operation at the start - despite its high cost of construction - and one of only a very few to avoid receivership through World War II. At its peak, the line operated local service on 2o-minute intervals with limiteds running hourly, providing a vital link for commuting workers, shoppers, and travelers.

Expanding Services

As the L&WV established itself, the interurban expanded its services beyond passenger transportation. Recognizing the demand for freight transportation in the region, it spent considerable effort building its carload business - primarily meat, produce, agriculture, and LCL.

The interurban's strategic location in northeastern Pennsylvania, a region rich in anthracite coal deposits, further bolstered its freight operations. The railroad provided critical connections between coal mines and distribution centers, playing a pivotal role in fueling the industrial growth of the surrounding areas.

System Map and Timetables (1930)

The Role of The Laurel Line

A distinctive feature of the L&WV was its dedication to providing a high level of service and maintaining a well-kept infrastructure.

The nickname " The Laurel Line" is a nod to the evergreen shrub that is native to Pennsylvania, and has recognized as the state flower since 1933.

The interurban prided itself on its punctuality, reliability, and convenience, earning the loyalty of many passengers and shippers. It quickly became an indispensable part of daily life in the region, contributing to the economic and social development of the Wyoming Valley.

Challenges and Adaptations

Despite its early successes, the L&WV faced several challenges that would shape its future. The rise of automobile travel in the 1920s and 1930s presented substantial competition to interurbans across the United States, and the L&WV was no exception. The increasing affordability and convenience of cars led to a decline in passenger numbers, causing financial strain on the interurban system.

To counteract this shift, the L&WV focused on enhancing its freight services. The railroad capitalized on its strategic location and continued to serve the region's industrial base. Nevertheless, through World War II passengers still comprised 60% of its traffic.

As automobiles continued to erode its business, the interurban reduced service from 20-minute intervals to every half-hour, and finally hourly. In addition, it dropped limited service in 1931 but this was later reinstated in 1946.

Transition and Decline

The mid-20th century brought further changes to the L&WV's operations. The decline of the anthracite coal industry and shifting industrial patterns led to reduced demand for freight services.

The economic pressures of the era proved insurmountable. In 1949 it entered receivership. Passenger service ended on December 31, 1952 and the third rail was removed the following year.

Final Years

Efforts to sustain freight operations continued via a leased Delaware, Lackawanna & Western diesel switcher. In 1957 the property was directly acquired by the DL&W for continued freight service during which time it was operated as a branch into Wilkes-Barre.

This continued through the Erie Lackawanna. The segment north of Pittston eventually ceased operation and was subsequently dismantled. Meanwhile, the southern portion continued service until 1976 when Conrail assumed control. Due to redundancy with the existing Lehigh Valley line into Wilkes-Barre, Conrail deemed the route superfluous and discontinued service.

Legacy and Preservation

Historical Significance

While the Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Railroad no longer operates, its legacy endures. The L&WV remains a symbol of innovation and progress in the history of rail transportation, particularly during the interurban era when many such systems struggled to remain solvent.

It played a crucial role in the development of northeastern Pennsylvania, contributing to the region's economic growth and providing essential transportation services for several decades.

Preservation Efforts

Today, history enthusiasts and preservationists work diligently to keep the memory of The Laurel Line alive. Various initiatives, including historical societies and local museums, have undertaken efforts to preserve artifacts, documents, and memories related to the L&WV. These endeavors help ensure that future generations can appreciate the railroad's impact on the region.

The Lackawanna and Wyoming Valley Railroad is more than a historical footnote; it is a testament to the transformative power of transportation and the impact that some interurbans had on regional development. From its ambitious beginnings to its pivotal role in passenger and freight services, the L&WV shaped northeastern Pennsylvania's landscape and economy.