The U.S. Surface Transportation Board has ordered the Central Oregon & Pacific Railroad to open its tracks to the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay. That way the port can inspect tunnels and bridges on the Coos Bay rail line.

The board handed down its decision Wednesday following the port’s filing of a motion to compel.

Martin Callery, director of communications and freight mobility for the port, said engineering contractors will have access to the line starting today through the end of next week.

Port officials inspected the 111-mile line in August. CORP would not give them access to inspect six of the nine tunnels due to safety concerns and obstructions. The port also wanted to more closely inspect the many bridges along the route.

When they asked permission from CORP to take another look, CORP officials refused.

The port requested the ability to inspect the line so it could refine its estimate for the value of the line. The agency is trying to win federal approval for a takeover of the idled rail line, but must pay for the tracks.

The port took up the access issue with the railroad-regulating STB, which sided with the port. It did not accept CORP’s argument that providing the port access would be a burden to operations elsewhere. Instead, the STB said it was important that the port get to inspect the bridges and tunnels since it would be responsible for rehabilitating and maintaining them if its feeder line application is approved.

Callery said the port’s findings from its first and upcoming inspections will be submitted to the STB before it makes its decision on the application.