The PDF below contains the 1906 Inspection Report by the New York State Railroad Commissioners of the Western New York and Pennsylvania Railway. The sections applicable to the River Division (later known as the Pennsylvania Railroad River Line) include:
The River division extends from a connection with the main line, Buffalo division, at Olean, to the Pennsylvania State line near Wolf Rock, a distance of 38.30 miles, single track and has 47.13 miles of sidings and yard tracks.
The cuts and embankments of all the lines are generally of fair width and proper slope; a few side cuts of the River division through soft shelly rock, have rather steep slopes subject to wash in times of severe storm; whenever storms occur, however, watchmen are stationed at those points.
The bridges of the River division are in first-class condition; most of them have been recently repainted and all are designed for carrying a heavier class of motive power.
The ties of the river division are 7×8 inches, 8 1/2 feet in length, all white oak and laid at the rate of 3,000 to the mile of track.
One and five-tenths miles of the River division, main track is laid with 85-pound, 3.00 miles with 70 pound and the remainder, 33.80 miles, with 67-pound steel rail. The 85-pound rail is connected by angle plates 34 inches in length with six bolts and the other rail by angle plates 24 inches in length with four bolts. The rail is in from fair to good condition and renewals are being made as necessary.
Nearly all switch stands of the Buffalo and River divisions, and many of those of the other divisions, have high targets and in obscure place on grades there are distant signals interlocked with switch stands. Switch and semaphore lamps show red light for danger and white for safety. Green is used for caution. Nearly all main track frogs are spring rail. Derailing switches are in all the sidings connecting with the main track upon which cars are left standing where the grade descends toward the main track. Many were noted, however, where the stands lacked targets. The main tracks are ballasted with gravel and cinders in from medium to fair quantity. Considerable reballasting has been done. The alignment and surfacing of the track is very good and the outer rail on curves properly elevated.
The track sections of the … River division, [average] 5.00 miles and the force employed [includes] one foreman and four laborers; … Regular track walkers are not employed but all portions of the road are patrolled daily. Each section gang is furnished with flags, lanterns and torpedoes.
The River division is rather crooked; the maximum curve is 8 degrees near Wolf Rock.
The River division is nearly level; the maximum grade is 18 feet per mile.
The River division crosses at grade, one track of the Olean Street Railway, (electric) near Olean. There are no derails in the track of the electric road or protection over the trolley wire. One track of the Buffalo, Rochester and Pittsburgh Railway and one track of the Erie Railroad at Riverside Junction, protected by a tilting board signal and all trains are required to come to a full stop. There are no interlocking plants on the River division.
The right of way is free from trees, brush and rubbish, with the exception that in a few places small brush is left to protect slopes. The fences are generally of wire, and while in very fair repair, a few places were noted where additional repairs are needed.
The grade crossings of highways are properly graded, well planked and protected by signs of the diamond or triangular form. The signs are properly placed and fairly well painted.
On the River division, one [highway is protected]by flagman.
the movements of trains are governed by the telegraphic train order system; passenger trains being protected until arriving at the station in advance, and freight trains spaced and protected when considered necessary. Mile posts are maintained and whistle posts are at the prescribed distance from the highway crossings.
The station buildings are in very fair repair and are clean and neat. Drinking water is furnished and time tables posted in the waiting room. Water in barrels and fire pails is kept in the stations as protection against fire, and at some of the larger stations are fire extinguishers and hose. The station platforms are generally of gravel; some plank platforms yet remain. All are suitably maintained. The station grounds and yards are generally well kept and at some of the more important ones are small lawns with shrubs, flowers, etc. Station employees are uniformed and wear badges stating their employment.
Very many extensive repairs and improvements have been made since the last inspection [August, 1904]: the principal ones noted being as follows: Three miles of 70 pound rail on the River division replacing worn 67-pound rail. Twenty and one-fourth miles of the River division has been reballasted with gravel and five miles with cinders.
Source: 1906 Annual Report of the Board of Railroad Commissioners of the State of New York, Volume 1. Google Books.