The difficult and costly engineering work was still underway when the first World War broke. In order that work could continue, the road was released from federal control, the only railroad in the country so released. It was opened to through traffic on December 1, 1919. Various branches, including lines to Coronado and El Cajon, some dating from 1887, were acquired in 1917. Co. Passenger service was discontinued in January, 1951.
Freight trains are now predominantly diesel powered.
Tom Fielding, TM, has been appointed chairman of the Legislative Committee for the San Diego District by the California Railroad Association. . . .