Jen Todd

jtodd1@tennessean.com

Centennial Park's steam locomotive No. 576 got the OK to cruise along Nashville's railroad after more than 60 years of rest.

Metro Council approved Nashville Steam Preservation Society's dream of restoring the 74-year-old steam locomotive to ultimately carry passengers to and from downtown Nashville.

"Operating steam locomotives are rare, thus the ones that are restored to operate in exhibition service attract incredible crowds wherever they go," NSPS president Shane Meador said in a prepared statement. "An investment in this effort ultimately means an investment in Metro Nashville — past, present and future."

The organization received a 23-year lease of the locomotive, and now must undergo fundraising: $500,000 to relocate the locomotive to the Tennessee Central Railway Museum for restoration, $3 million to restore and make it operational, and an additional $2 million to build a permanent facility for maintenance and education of the locomotive.

The group expects the restoration process to take three to four years. A community meeting and fundraiser will be held this fall at Centennial Park, Meador said.

No. 576 was donated to Metro Parks by the railroad in 1952, after hauling troops and oil during World War II.

For more information, visit www.nashvillesteam.org

Nashville's Centennial Park train could be restored, run again