The only passenger train through the area is Amtrak's Texas Eagle, one train each direction a day. The town/area has not, to my knowledge, received word from Amtrak or the Union Pacific that the Eagle will be allowed to make a station stop.
I wonder if this is the idea, "If we build it, it will come to be."
Does anyone know how easy or hard it is to get a station stop added to an Amtrak long distance route?
James
Over $300,000 for just a platform?? Did I read that right?
I would think that one could build an entire house (including concrete foundation, as well as all plumbing and electrical) for less than that in Arcadia, MO.
Dragoman Over $300,000 for just a platform?? Did I read that right? I would think that one could build an entire house (including concrete foundation, as well as all plumbing and electrical) for less than that in Arcadia, MO.
Just because Amtrak approves platform plans, doesn't mean they will stop at said platform, does it?
Arcadia's near a bunch of Missouri's state parks like Johnson's Shut-Ins (really fun mini-rapids) and Taum Sauk Mountain (really more of a hill). I'm wondering if the Department of Conservation wants to increase tourism in the area by adding the station and got MoDOT on board.
But to the original question, I imagine it would be hard. It would affect not only Amtrak's timetables on the route but also UP's freight schedule. Working a new stop through two railroads? It would need to be awfully important to Amtrak in order for the whole thing to work out.
Eagle, that is what I was thinking. I first heard about Arcadia's plan two years ago and I thought it was a pipe dream. The area's idea is that it will bring in more tourists but once they de-train, then what? There is no car rental and the parks are not within walking distance. It is a neat area and they have a Bluegrass festival but the train is not conducive to arrive in the morning and leave in the evening from Saint Louis.
Amtrak has informed UPRR on it's intent to potentially make Arcadia, MO a station stop for the Texas Eagle.
That transit to the parks would be a problem, Butler. However, Arcadia is bigger than a lot more MO towns, and is literally right next to another city, Ironton. Looking at the tourist website for the area, they offer more than the parks. I think this would be more of a vacation destination than a check-it-out-for-a-day, so the St. Louis arrival times might not be much of a problem. I think the hotels could start a shuttle service to the parks. It could work.
On the other hand, the area already is known as a vacation spot, and is only 80 miles from St. Louis. The distance is short enough that the highway might have the advantage over the train here for most cases. It could fail.
CMStPnP Amtrak has informed UPRR on it's intent to potentially make Arcadia, MO a station stop for the Texas Eagle.
eagle1030 That transit to the parks would be a problem, Butler. However, Arcadia is bigger than a lot more MO towns, and is literally right next to another city, Ironton. Looking at the tourist website for the area, they offer more than the parks. I think this would be more of a vacation destination than a check-it-out-for-a-day, so the St. Louis arrival times might not be much of a problem. I think the hotels could start a shuttle service to the parks. It could work. On the other hand, the area already is known as a vacation spot, and is only 80 miles from St. Louis. The distance is short enough that the highway might have the advantage over the train here for most cases. It could fail.
An interesting note, while visiting the station, the staff member (he was the one who told me of their idea to get Amtrak to stop) said he thought people traveling by train from Texas to Saint Louis (and vice versa) would choose to stop and spend a few days in Arcadia before continuing on their trip.
According to the local weekly, the Mountain Echo, the platform has been funded and the site work is progressing, so I would say that Arcadia is definitely getting an Amtrak stop.
As far as the money, it does seem excessive for just a platform but considering the Texas Eagle is a long distance train and the consist will have coaches, sleepers and dining cars, the platform will have to be a good length. Add in the cost for handicap access and shelters, price goes even higher.
Rick, the train length would require a long platform. I spoke with co-workers from the Ironton/Arcadia area and they were unaware that the station platform and station stop were planned, let alone in the works.
I had a brain fizzle and forgot the Eagle runs to Chicago's Union Station. With this station stop, folks won't have to travel to Popular Bluff or St. Louis to catch the train. I my case, that would be a savings of over fifty miles. I had a friend that used Amtrak to travel between St. Louis and Chicago and I have taken the train to visit family in the Chicago area. I haven't ridden the Texas Eagle, yet.
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