A Remnant of the Michigan Central Joliet Cutoff

Satellite

While studying the connection of a Panhandle remnant at Hartsdale Junction, I discovered there is a remnant of the Joliet cutoff between Enbridge Pipeline on the east and a small yard south of  Ford Motor Co Chicago Stamping Plant on the west. The SPV Map shows everything was abandoned by Conrail, but a satellite image shows track still exists, although it is in poor condition.

There are industrial spurs just east of Torrence Ave. and just east of Cottage Grove Ave. But I don't think they are using the railroad. In addition to being weed covered, the crossing of the CSX/Monon (yellow circle) is disabled. So is the Ford plant insisting that this route be kept intact so that it can be resurrected if one of its current carriers tries to raise its rates too high? Its connection with the Egyptian line has a rather small lead to the east so it would not be able to handle very large cuts. They could cut down the trees and extend that lead to just west of Griffith Junction.

Or does a local train creep through the weeds from Ford Heights to serve the two industries west of the crossing and/or another local creeps through the weeds from the Egyption connection to serve the pipeline terminal?

Update:

Rory Higgins posted

The Joilet cutoff

I did some digging recently on the quiet history of the Joilet cutoff rail line. It ran through Joilet, New lenox, Mokena, Mattson and more and basically followed the EJ&E / CN Mattson sub but just a 1/2 mile south. Anyway it ended up in the hands of NYC, Penn Central, and then Conrail where they eventually shut it down in the 70s. Now it has been converted to a nice rail trail known as the “Old Plank Trail”. Anyways I was just wondering if anyone has any photos of the line, particularly in areas such as New Lenox, Joilet, Frankfort and Mattson. I tried to google some photos but only a limited amount of photos showed. I am partially interested in its later history such as when PC, NYC and Conrail ran it. And any other fun facts about the line are appreciated. Thanks! (The photo below is one of the only recent photos i could find of the line, credit to Blackhawk Railway historical society).