The Foothill Extension
Photo News Update Report
Part “C”, Section 6 (of 1-8)
Foothill Blvd. Area of Azusa
More views from the south side looking various westward ways.
Continued in Section 7
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- K.P.’s absolute “theorem” from early, early childhood that he has seen over and over and over again: Those that CAUSE a problem in the first place will act the most violently if questioned or exposed.
Part “C”, Section 7 (of 1-8)
The west side center pier framing.
On the southeast side, a strange stairway going to a fenced off cul-de-sac.
Above, a friendly but noisy chap kept a watchful eye on K.P.
Can’t you just see the wheels turning in that dog’s head, him thinking: “I wonder if I would freak out that cameraman if I gave him a photo location tip in English?”
Continued in Section 8
Part “C”, Section 8 (of 1-8)
In downtown Azusa now, by the old Santa Fe “Second District” at ground level, a westbound view of the track rising to go over the Foothill Blvd. bridge we were just by.
Notice the track over the present bridge alignment shifts to the left as it approaches the camera.
So, apparently, the new south (left) bridge will be for BNSF local freights, the old AT&SF bridge will be for eastbound (outbound) commuter cars (coming towards the camera), and the new north (right) bridge will be for westbound (inbound) commuter runs.
At Azusa Ave., there are now THREE tracks (two Foothill Extension and one BNSF), all newly laid.
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Continued in Part D, More Azusa scheduled for posting Monday, January 27, 2014 by 6:00 P.M. Pacific Time.
Part “D”, Section 1 (of 1-7)
More Azusa
Right by the tracks, there is a new Target store on Azusa Ave.
Just east of Azusa Ave. a Foothill Extension stop is being built.
Another eastward view, with a from the north side view.
Note just above, the track in the background curves.
Continued in Section 2
Part “D”, Section 2 (of 1-7)
As viewed from the center of the future tracks (bottom), it looks like the station stop platforms may be on both sides of the tracks and not in the center as in some places.
A telephoto of the station stop and the background freight curve:
Looking westbound, people should understand clearly this sign.
Looking eastbound again:
Continued in Section 3
Part “D”, Section 3 (of 1-7)
At Dalton Ave. now … Looking westbound, the alignment shift in the BNSF track.
Looking westbound at the future commuter tracks. The Target store is seen in the background of the just below photo.
Continued in Section 4
Part “D”, Section 4 (of 1-7)
From Dalton Ave., looking eastbound and the curving commuter tracks, swooping all the way back into the distance.
There is that signaled BNSF track again (right).
That BNSF track, looking westbound. Note that the concrete and wood ties meet.
Continued in Section 5
Part “D”, Section 5 (of 1-7)
It is getting almost too dark for handheld photography, but a few last views, from at Pasadena Ave. now. Looking east at the new BNSF alignment. Surprisingly, the BNSF line for only serving a few remaining customers on it still have new automatic block signals!
Above also, the concrete and wood ties meet again. Apparently, the BNSF now branch line uses concrete ties except at grade crossings.
Looking west on the BNSF track. The BNSF line now has what appears to be concrete or metal panel fencing (left).
The Foothill Extension tracks will curve parallel to BNSF’s, and also have the concrete or metal panel fencing (left).
Continued in Section 6
Part “D”, Section 6 (of 1-7)
From Pasadena Ave. in Azusa still, looking east, some type of metal fencing (center) for a ways also separates the BNSF tracks from the Foothill Extension tracks
Both lines looking east:
Looking west on the Foothill Extension alignment. Note the large shipping doors on the building on the right. The Santa Fe line and customer spurs use to be where the Foothill Extension tracks will be laid.
Part “D”, Section 7 (of 1-7)
Looking west, a grade crossing electrical box is between the lines
With Target in the background, a pile of something is on the left between the two lines, and catenary bases are around the curving on the right.
There is supposed to be two Foothill Extension station stops in Azusa. It was K.P.’s desire to check out and photograph the further east one too, but the light was failing, so that will have to wait another time …
This will conclude the series. But, a Second Section immediately follows.
Second Section
When K.P. was a kid in the 1950’s and 60’s, while traveling west with his parents on Foothill Blvd. (that jogs into Huntington Drive east of the 605 Freeway) …
AERIAL LINK: Where Foothill Blvd. Becomes Huntington Drive
… he remembers going under TWO Santa Fe railroad bridges in the whole stretch. One was discussed in the multipart series just presented. But, where is the other bridge?
It was AS the one in this series, just an angled bridge over an east-west aligned street (“east-west aligned street”). He has never been able to find that second bridge. Apparently, things have changed radically, and that only an east-west street is now an intersection with a north-south cross street running through it, and right under the railroad bridge, the railroad bridge over Huntington Blvd. and 2nd Ave. in Arcadia.
AERIAL LINK: Possible Mystery Bridge Location
That aerial shows the north-south 2nd Ave. alignment curving to go under the bridge, as if 2nd Ave. wasn’t originally there.
Some reshown April 27, 2013 ground views of that bridge.
It has to be the bridge, because there are no others that remotely fit the description. But, as a kid, K.P. never in his wildest imaginations ever dreamed that the city would build a cross street underneath it!
On January 3, 2014 K.P. passed by that bridge site again, and noted it is exactly the same as in the above photos. Thus, the question arises: Will that ex-Santa Fe single-track bridge remain as a short single-track section on an otherwise two-track light rail commuter line, or will the bridge be replaced or modified for two-tracks? If anyone knows, K.P. sure would like to know about it for obvious sentimental reasons …
Its moving along, rail & ballast are down at Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, base gravel is down along most of the 210 Freeway median near the bridge, rail was going down in the maintenance yard as well.
KP, given the lack of construction, I would assume that the bridge over Huntington Drive is wide enough for the double trackage, probably just barely wide enough. I haven't been able to see if any work has been done to the bridge over the San Gabriel river. They modified the existing bridge over the 110 freeway which originally was a single track to a double track still keeping the early 20th century bridge piers and span girders. Guess the much lighter nature of the light rail cars makes that possible. I expect the narrower cars and tighter allowable clearances are also why the bridge at Huntington Ave is remaining.
Have fun with your trains
Thanks for the pics! I live in the Los Angeles area too, but I don't get out to that part of the SGV that much, I've been following the Expo Line Phase II more since it's closer to me. I believe that line will open before the line to Santa Monica will start running. A friend of mine lives just a few blocks from the APU/Azusa College station, which is cool for me since I live just a few blocks from one of the Red Line subway stations.
http://la.curbed.com/archives/2014/02/come_tour_the_halffinished_gold_line_foothill_extension.php
Local coverage picture tour
Replies:
vsmith (2-20 / 2-24):
Thanks for the report.
Concerning the bridge over Huntington Drive in Arcadia …
A previously posted eastbound view from Santa Anita Drive …
… was heavily blown up, and because of the ‘above the rail floor bridge sides’ two tracks CANNOT be accommodated. Note that the second track (on the right above, an industrial track, would not fit over the bridge.
Two February 7, 2014 views of a new LA&SL (UP) bridge in Riverside over the 91 Freeway that is being widened: Its strength is ABOVE the tracks.
The bridges over Huntington Dr. and the 91 Freeway are of the same basic bridge design concept. The bridge over the Pasadena Freeway, the Arroyo Seco Bridge, is of a different structural design, and has its strength UNDERNEATH the tracks.
A railpictures.net photo, copyright Richard Sugg …
LINK: http://www.railpictures.net/images/d1/9/1/4/1914.1136610000.jpg
With the strength underneath, a second-track for light rail could be accommodated, but is not possible with the strength above the tracks.
In that linked photo above, the train looks off center on the bridge, so it may have been easy to modify it. Or, maybe it was originally built for two-tracks!
I’ve wanted to get over to that Arroyo Seco structure to photograph it but your post beat me to it, hence, the link above.
So, exactly what the Gold Line Foothill Extension people plan on doing about the bridge over Huntington Drive is unknown, but time is quickly running out, so we should find out something soon. They could use switches or gauntlet trackage …
WIKIPEDIA LINK:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/29/Sechsschienengleis.JPG/350px-Sechsschienengleis.JPG
…for a while or permanently, or have something else in mind.
That link for the tour was cool! I just hope it is available to be viewed for a long time …
Metro Red Line (2-23):
Both you live by a line and your friend living by a line! How convenient!
Take care all,
K.P.
Update as of Saturday, March 1, 2014
The Situation in Arcadia, CA
The Foothill Extension overpass at Santa Anita Ave. now has the horizontal concrete bridging in place.
The diagonal cross-tracks angling through the intersection of Santa Clara Street and 1st Ave. seem in place now,
The old grade crossing is still closed with barricades and with fencing.
K.P. was onsite only a few minutes, but in the darkness in could be seen that the station stop just to the northwest of Santa Clara St. and 1st Ave. had now skeleton covering structures starting.
In between updates posted by Trains forum 'locals', the LA Metro Transportation Library photo archive set for the Gold Line Foothill Extension phase 2A (link) on Flickr should be browsed. Currently it contains 362 photos, so that may occupy some of your time.
The bad news is that the 'new' Flickr has a terrible interface. To see the latest photos, go to page bottom and click the highest numbered page button. There may be an advanced interface with 'sort within current set' but it is well hidden.
K. P. HarrierOn January 3, 2014 K.P. passed by that (Huntington Drive) bridge site again, and noted it is exactly the same as in the above photos. Thus, the question arises: Will that ex-Santa Fe single-track bridge remain as a short single-track section on an otherwise two-track light rail commuter line, or will the bridge be replaced or modified for two-tracks?
From looking at the above linked Metro library set, it appears that building abutments for another single track bridge has just started. It does seem to be a little behind schedule.
Links to my Google Maps ---> Sunset Route overview, SoCal metro, Yuma sub, Gila sub, SR east of Tucson, BNSF Northern Transcon and Southern Transcon *** Why you should support Ukraine! ***
MikeF90 (4-13):
Great post … and link! The link’s photos were wonderful.
Man, I need to get out that way with my camera. I’ve been waiting for the track laying and obviously it is going on now!
Best,
About a Friday, June 20, 2014 Series
K.P. spent the good part of the day in the Los Angeles area, and in the afternoon focused on the Foothill Extension. Track had been and is being laid on the line. This photo looks inbound from Myrtle Ave. in Monrovia.
Station stops are forming, and there are now new bridge abutments for a second track bridge next to the old Santa Fe Bridge over Huntington Blvd. in downtown Arcadia.
A post series on all this will be forthcoming in a few days.
The Foothill Extension Is Now Taking Shape!
Posting Schedule for Series:
All posts should be up by 9:00 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time on the scheduled date, but may (“may”) be posted up to 12 hours early.
Wednesday, July 2, 2014: Parts I-VI
Arcadia
Friday, July 4, 2014: Parts VII-XIV
Arcadia-Monrovia-Duarte
Sunday, July 6, 2014: Parts XV-XX
Duarte-Irwindale-Azusa (Foothill Blvd.)
Update as of Friday, June 20, 2014
Part I (of I-VI, Overall I-XX)
Arcadia, CA
Our first inspection is the new bridging over Santa Anita Ave. in Arcadia, which bridging seemed compete now. From the south, looking north:
It is hard to comprehend that where that just above bridge is at there was once a Santa Fe Railway “Second District” grade crossing with crossing gates and all.
The approaches, like this on the west side, seem quite steep.
A focus on the east slope: Right away, after going over Santa Anita Blvd., the line does indeed nose drives (rightward).
Continued in Part II
Part II (of I-VI, Overall I-XX)
The nose diving line after going over Santa Anita Blvd. quickly reaches ground level.
Above, the nice, new flyover makes the old buildings of the surroundings look out of place.
That above out of place looking building on the right used to look normal when the Santa Fe Railway was on ground level. Note the slanted spur on the right, with the old passenger car on it. That slightly curving spur used to continue (towards the camera) almost up to Santa Anita Blvd.
AERIAL LINK: Where that Curving Spur Once Was
A couple more inbound (westward) views on the south side:
Continued in Part III
Part III (of I-VI, Overall I-XX)
On the north side of the Foothill Extension tracks, looking inbound (northwest), businesses border right next to the overpass.
Now, we move to the bottom of the rather steep east slope:
Because Santa Fe Railway (now BNSF) gave up its rights over the line here, such steep slopes could be had for this future light rail line.
There are all kinds of construction things on the east slope.
Above, the concrete railing-like sides of the bridge over Santa Anita Blvd. are visible in on each side.
At ground level:
Continued in Part IV
Part IV (of I-VI, Overall I-XX)
At the intersection of Santa Clara Street and First Ave., looking northwest, the light rail station stop, the shade coverings, platform, and ramp are progressing.
Continued in Part V
Part V (of I-VI, Overall I-XX)
At that Santa Clara Street and First Ave. intersection, the crossing gate mechanisms are in place, but flashers are turned aside and mast gateless.
As the old Santa Fe Railway line did at this intersection, the Foothill extension has a diagonal tracks crossing, but now the tracks are on much wider centers.
Continued in Part VI
Part VI (of I-VI, Overall I-XX)
The crossing gates control box is somewhat large, and a weird brown color. The weird brown may or may not discourage graffiti. No boxes seemed to have graffiti on them.
A northwestward view: The new, incomplete platform (lower right) and that steep ramp to bridge over Santa Anita Ave. in the background center.
Looking southeast, a mild incline up to the single-track bridge that passes over Huntington Dr.
Just above, notice on the far right there is grading for a second-track to bridge over Huntington Dr. Catenary bases go up the hill between the future track alignments towards those bridges.
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Continued in Parts VII-XIV scheduled for posting Friday, July 4, 2014 by 9:00 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, but may be posted up to 12 hours early. Coverage: Arcadia-Monrovia-Duarte. (Parts XV-XX will be posted Sunday, July 6, 2014 by 9:00 P.M. PDT.)
Part VII (of VII-XIV, Overall I-XX)
Arcadia-Monrovia-Duarte, CA
At Huntington Dr. and Second Ave. is the well-known Santa Fe diagonally over the intersection, single-track bridge.
The site is being modified to include a second bridge. The northwest side:
The southeast side:
Continued in Part VIII
Part VIII (of VII-XIV, Overall I-XX)
Looking northwestward, walling rises up to the future two bridges over the intersection.
Currently, the location is difficult to maneuver around at, because sidewalks are often closed.
Continued in Part IX
Part IX (of VII-XIV, Overall I-XX)
We now move over to Myrtle Ave. and Duarte Rd. in the Monrovia area.
Looking inbound (westbound):
Now, outbound (eastbound):
Continued in Part X
Part X (of VII-XIV, Overall I-XX)
An inbound telephoto (westbound):
The spacing of the crossing gate mechanisms are a story in itself, with just a small passageway for pedestrians.
Telephoto outbound (eastbound) views, around the curve and looking at a nice straightaway:
Continued in Part XI
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