Like anyone planning to make a large investment, the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay wants to make a thorough inspection of the Coos Bay rail line before purchasing it.

So far, Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad personnel have limited port officials’ access to the 111-mile stretch of line, allowing them to inspect the route only between Aug. 13 and 15. When port officials asked to inspect tunnels, they were told they can’t — the tunnel entrances had been fenced.

Port of Coos Bay officials have turned to the feds for help. The agency has asked the federal Surface Transportation Board to intercede on its behalf.

CORP stopped traffic on the line last September, citing safety risks in three tunnels. Port officials said it was necessary that they be able to look at those areas, as well as bridges, so they can anticipate the repairs necessary to get the line back up and running should its feeder line application be successful.

In its filing with the STB, the port requests that it be given access to the line on Sept. 11 and a maximum of five days after.

In its application for abandonment, the railroad says there’s not enough traffic on the line to justify the cost of repairs.

The port wants to restore freight service by purchasing the line for $9.8 million. Its application to do so is still under STB Review. CORP has indicated it wants more money for the line, but the asking price has been blacked off of federal documents.