Update as of May 29, 2013
Track Laying Over the Colton Flyover
Colton, CA
Part “M” (of H-N, Overall A-S)
There’s that on headlight again on the shuttle!
The forward progression towards Rancho Ave. is definitely on again.
Continued in Part N
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 “N” (of H-N, Overall A-S)
The tie laying train is getting very close to Rancho Ave.
And, the tail end is now going by the incomplete and missing walling part.
-------
Parts O-S will be posted by Monday, June 10, 2013 at 9:00 A.M. PDT
Yet another Montclair Yard area update. All images are 1024 pixels wide - click to enlarge.
Nothing new was seen at CP Reservoir (San Antonio Ave, Pomona) except 'red boards' indicating the west end of track work limits.
Looking east from the Ramona Ave overpass, we see that ballasting is only complete to the former west end of North Montclair siding - about 1.7 miles of work remain. The AL517 signals are still present and lit, for how long who knows.
Moving to Monte Vista Ave, new signals and a RH crossover have been installed west of the crossing:
There appears to be a gap between the two turnouts, possibly to prevent interference with existing signaling. East of Monte Vista at the new siding access, no new signals are present.
West of Central Ave a new turnout is seen in the new siding.
Continued in part 2.
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! ***
Part 2 of 3.
Looking east from Central Ave, we see ballasting is progressing on the new siding. The former siding / future main has been completely upgraded to concrete ties and presumably new rail. In the background are the signals for the former siding east end (AL518).
Interesting to note that three different colors of new ballast are seen here.
Looking east from the Mountain Ave overpass, the mystery junction does not seem to have changed.
If the ballast train seen on the switching lead is used for this project, it has to be pulled west through Montclair siding all the way to CP Reservoir, then a reverse move east to the new turnout seen in the northwest corner. I suppose North Ontario siding must be kept clear for other uses.
Continued in part 3.
Part 3 of 3.
For the folks following the Chaffee, MO derailment and overpass collapse, a view of the Serious Derailment Protection on the Mountain Ave overpass piers. Not sure if this also helps earthquake resistance.
The new trackage at San Antonio Ave, Ontario looks pretty much the same. No ballasting on the short stretch east toward the N.O. siding / future main. West of San Antonio is now the yard and construction offices with plenty of storage trailers. Note the new equipment cabinet and signal bridge parts on the left center of the picture.
On the ROW north edge here the usual pipeline markers were seen:
In case of an issue, K-M wants you to call collect! Who does that these days?
Finally, some new activity was seen east of Bon View Ave - new signals at the east end of the future control point.
The nearby equipment cabinet does not yet have any conduit running into it.
Construction geek, OUT.
UPDATE - visual progress near the PHIMF on the LA sub is minimal. I noticed two signal bridges near MP 15.8 a.k.a. CP Fry's at the siding future east end, not in service of course. No new bridge piers at Peck Road or siding track at Workman Mill Road yet.
UPDATE - the 'agreement' between Kinder-Morgan and UP referred to in my previous post is mentioned on page 47 of this document on the ACE web site. Time will tell.
Part “O” (of O-S, Overall A-S)
Very close to Rancho Ave!
Concrete tie dropping:
Continued in Part P
Part “P” (of O-S, Overall A-S)
Then they suddenly separate the tie cars from the tie laying equipment.
And, put down the final ties.
Some van-like equipment is on site.
Continued in Part Q
Part “Q” (of O-S, Overall A-S)
The equipment parks for the night by Rancho Ave,
Continued in Part R
Part “R” (of O-S, Overall A-S)
Some handbrakes are set. That orange something in the first photo below is NOT part of the equipment, but a worker and his hardhat. Makes for an interesting size comparison!
Up on Rancho Avenue’s south side:
All this is by a residential neighborhood that has seen trains since 1875.
Continued in Part S
Part “S” (of O-S, Overall A-S)
Some final photos:
Up on Rancho Ave. looking mainly north: The dark shadow on the lower left is the overpass.
From “K” Street: There used to be a house here, but now the railroad and locals tends of use it as a shortcut. Note the old wood fence on the right.
A final thought … When Main 1 goes over the flyover, but Main 2 is still on the ground, the present signal MAY still be used, accounting for the lack of new signals popping up.
It would be a flexibility hampering arrangement, but temporary. When the final construction is completed on the flyover and Main 2 is connected on each end THEN the new signals may suddenly show up. Their present absence MAY be waiting for the above sequence.
Great pictures, K.P. and Mike!
Colton has been around since 1875?
K. P. HarrierUpdate as of May 29, 2013 Track Laying Over the Colton Flyover Colton, CA Part “R” (of O-S, Overall A-S) All this is by a residential neighborhood that has seen trains since 1875.
The Sunset Route “Texas to California” Report
An example from K.P.’s June 1-3, 2013 trip:
A spotted train as viewed westward from Empirita Rd. in Arizona …
… near Marsh Station Rd. going the ‘non-traditional way‘ in this bi-directional two-track CTC territory.
The Report’s Posting Schedule
Part A: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 – 6 Sections
Sierra Blanca, TX
McNary, TX
Part B: Friday, June 14, 2013 – 9 Sections
Santa Teresa, NM
Part C: Sunday, June 16, 2013 – 8 Additional Sections
Part D: Tuesday, June 18, 2013 – 11 Sections
In Arizona: U.S. 191 and the Sunset Route
Chow Time in Benson
Fantasyland at Marsh Station Rd.
The Colossal Cave Rd. Area
Part E: Thursday, June 20, 2013 – 9 Sections
Two-Tracking West of Tucson, AZ
Part F: Saturday, June 22, 2013 -- 8 Additional Sections
Part G: Monday, June 24, 2013 – 12 Sections
The Iris-Bertram Area of Southern California
Part H: Wednesday, June 26, 2013: 5 Sections
Off the Sunset Route: El Centro, CA
This series will generally be on an east to west basis, but within Parts B and C about Santa Teresa, NM it will be presented west to east.
While posts are scheduled to be up by (“by”) 9:00 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time (PDT), most likely they will actually be posted much, much earlier.
Under the heading of Commuter Alerts, Caltrans has released a 'driver distraction notice', er, motorist safety message.
Specifically, beginning on Sunday June 23 along Interstate 10 in Colton large scary machines will be running in parallel to traffic - the flyover will start carrying test trains! The bulletin mentions that 'the train tracks do not interfere with the highway.' I sure hope not, or else someone's got some 'splainin' to do.
See the Caltrans District 8 web site for details: http://sv08data.dot.ca.gov/memos/memos.php?f=main&c=2&y=&r=&pr=&ct=&ci=&q=Date
On June 1-3, 2013 K.P. traveled Southern California to Texas roundtrip documenting select areas of the Sunset Route
This resultant series will generally be narrated east to west, except Parts B and C about Santa Teresa, NM which will be presented west to east, and the last Part H which will deal with related feeder lines.
Part “A” (of A-H), Section 1 (of 1-6)
The line from Memphis, Tennessee to Texas (left) as well as the line from New Orleans, Louisiana (right) meet a Sierra Blanca, Texas.
The line to Memphis has a background rollercoaster-like look.
On the other hand, the line to New Orleans curves and goes under I-10.
Continued in Section 2
Part “A”, Section 2 (of 1-6)
Looking the other way, west, is the actual junction switch.
Sources advise K.P. that the above junction switch is timetabled as 60 M.P.H. for the turnout route, i.e., from the Sunset Route to the Sunset Route. The turnout also has THREE motors and a smooth passing over movable point frog.
In the middle two photos above, the background RIGHT signal is for the mainline. There is also a LEFT signal that governs train exits from an over 10,000-foot siding that uses 30 M.P.H. turnouts.
K.P. understands the present high speed junction turnout route was originally the straight route, but with the UP and SP merger and the sudden gaining of importance of the ex-Missouri Pacific route (the Texas & Pacific, or T&P) to Fort Worth, TX the line to Memphis took on greater importance, hence, the junction switch at Sierra Blanca was realigned.
Continued in Section 3
Part “A”, Section 3 (of 1-6)
From that main grade crossing in town (Lobo Street), a view looking eastbound: The ground to the south (right) of the track has much old ballast on it indicating that other curved tracks (or another arrangement) was on it at one time.
A westward view:
Just a side point … In Section 2 above, the Sierra Blanca junction interlocking plant is shown as at M.P. 737. Besides 737 being a famous Boeing aircraft designation, ironically, if one takes the Colton Crossing (in California) where the Sunset Route crosses the BNSF Transcon and goes east on that Transcon to way out in the desert to a location called Daggett on the BNSF …
… the Los Angeles & Salt Lake (LA&SL, now UP) …
… junctions off to Salt Lake City, UT around BNSF M.P. 737. What a coincidence of junction milepost numbers!
Continued in Section 4
Part “A”, Section 4 (of 1-6)
Followers of this thread may remember these recent photos, shot at Colton, CA, looking east from Rancho Ave., of the Colton Flyover construction.
Above, on the left of both views, is the Interstate 10 Freeway (I-10). At the Lobo Street grade crossing in Sierra Blanca, TX, that same I-10 that follows much of the Sunset Route can be seen.
Continued in Section 5
Part “A”, Section 5 (of 1-6)
West of Lobo Street is the Pasture Rd. grade crossing, with no electrical warning devices such as crossing gates, but only stop signs.
A view looking eastbound:
Looking westbound:
On a humorous note … It is wondered if the property owner here knows UP has a great demand for used tires.
Probably not … The railroad likely has enough yellow striped white pickup trucks and the likes that it can get used tires off of to put under temporarily laying down signal masts or other items needing a cushion to supply it needs.
Continued in Section 6
Part “A”, Section 6 (of 1-6)
The McNary Area, TX
From WEST of Sierra Blanca, the Sunset Route is on the north side of the freeway. But, at the McNary siding, the Sunset Route goes under the I-10 Freeway and heads west on the south side.
On the siding’s west end, is CP SA771 McNARY, the east westbound signals are below:
The west eastbound signal:
K.P. found at McNary one of those blue strobe lights, NOT up on a high pole, but at ground level.
--------------
Continued in Part B dealing with UP’s new Santa Teresa, NM facility, to be posted Friday, June 14, 2013 by 9:00 A.M. PDT
K.P., when you were driving between Sierra Blanca and El Paso, did you notice any sign of grading along the right-of-way for additional sidings or second main track?
Replies
BarstowRick (5-31):
The 'What do we call the old Colton Crossing?' that you asked is an interesting question.
Since the crossing will STILL exist in a variant form, my guess is that it will still be called the Colton Crossing. Reportedly, an east-west single-track crossing of the BNSF Transcon at an angle will necessitate interlocking signals. Thus, only railroaders and railfans will likely have the correct lingo or terminology: Colton Crossing will refer to UP’s ground level crossing, whereas the Colton Flyover will refer to the ‘up and over’ structure, the actual flyover.
That, of course, is only an opinion and is unofficial, but it sure sounds logical to me …
mvs (6-5):
For a Californian, it takes getting used to seeing 80 M.P.H. speed limit signs in Texas.
But, that area is so spacious (though mildly hilly) that the speed just feels natural.
BarstowRick (6-6):
It’s called a telephoto lens! (Hehehe.) Seriously, it surprises me how close-up of a view sometimes can be captured with a camera.
MikeF90 (6-6, 6-7, etc.):
Thanks for the Kinder-Morgan controversy resolution info and link. What is happening is what this thread’s follower expected. What was unexpected was that it will take another year for engineering plans to be drawn up. Hmmm. Will this project ever end?
About Hamilton Blvd. in Pomona (CA), my guess is that a single-track shoofly will easily fit on the semi-wide right-of-way, and that single-track bridges over the future underpass will be built one at a time.
What I’m baffled about, though, is what is to become of the new switch that was put in a few years ago right by Hamilton Blvd. but never put in service.
It is so close to Hamilton Blvd. that it likely will have to be relocated even before it ever is put in service!
Photography in the area has been relatively free going, but I fear future access may not be as easily had during underpass construction.
About your Pomona-Ontario postings, thanks so much. They sure told the story in an excellent manner.
mvs (6-10):
Yes, Colton has been around since the SP came through in 1875.
People must have set up shop (and houses) very near a rail line that would become known as the Sunset Route.
Since childhood I can recall things about Colton, but it must have been very different in 1875 than it is today. I wish I had a time machine and could see what the Sunset Route looked like without I-10 there! It is hard to visualize an I-10 and its bridging NOT there, but I-10-less was the way it was when the Governor of California and a Federal Marshal broke up Southern Pacific’s effort to block California Southern (now BNSF) from crossing the SP.
billio (6-12):
If I could do the trip all over again, I would add another day and make it a point to thoroughly check out El Paso to Sierra Blanca, TX.
On this trip I saw NO trains whatsoever in that section. Granted, I only visied McNary and Sierra Blanca, but it would seem eliminating El Paso to Kansas City traffic would be insufficient to ease Sunset Route congestion between El Paso and Sierra Blanca, but I’ve never heard any reports about two-tracking anywhere on that segment except rumor here.
Hopefully, a source(s) will be able to enlighten me on the official status of that area.
Take care all,
K.P.
KP:
I have seen the blue strobe and loudspeakers on railroad photos at another popular photo site. I asked for anyone with an explanation to provide one but got nothing.
So, I give up guessing! What is their purpose? To warn trespassers of approaching trains? To warn track workers? To confuse rail enthusiasts? Your usual expertise is greatly appreciated. Thanks!
John Simpkins-Camp
Wash., DC
When you see the strobes with speakers, it's an advance approach warning system for trackside workers. Im assuming they get turned on whenever someone "tags in" as working in that area.
The high mast strobe-only installations seem to be in conjunction with dragging equipment detectors.
eolesen When you see the strobes with speakers, it's an advance approach warning system for trackside workers. Im assuming they get turned on whenever someone "tags in" as working in that area.
Eolesen, typically a blue flag or blue light meant that either M.O.W. or housekeeping employees are working on the tracks or various train cars. For example: The San Bernardino Train Station, you will find blue flags and lights on the METRA train equipment when housekeepers are cleaning the trains. Indicating that train equipment cannot move past the blue flag or blue light. With regard to the picture K.P. took (with his telephoto lenses, good one K.P.) I would need to be able to see down the track in both directions. I suspect you will find construction going on or they have some sort of service yard. Does look a bit confusing, as it appears to be a permanent set-up. That is, as if anything is ever permanent on any railroad.
RickH
BarstowRick.com Model Railroading How To's
K.P. This is an odd picture. I agree with you as to the switch and questionable future. What we'd both need to do is see further down the mainline to be able to read the tell tales. I looks like they intended to use it as part of a crossover or connecting track. Then when you look down the main it's obvious they pulled the two tracks over to meet either a former main or a new main. Huuunnh?
Part “B” (of A-H), Section 1 (of 1-9)
While the Parts of this “The Sunset Route ‘Texas to California’ Report” series are shown on an east to west basis, the sections of this Part B (and C) will be presented on a general west to east basis, and starts in the general M.P. 1270 area. Looking westbound:
Above, there is barbed wire fencing that follows the tracks closely on both sides of the tracks and right-of-way, leaded K.P. to conclude this area is west BEYOND the Santa Teresa complex.
A north-northeast view:
An eastbound view:
A heavy eastbound telephoto, with additional trackage present besides just two mains:
Clouds to the east look ominous, but something else more threatening is unseen, but very much looming …
Part “B”, Section 2 (of 1-9)
Starting back eastward, the wind starts blowing very sinister-like, and dust swirls in the air!
Intermediate signals are come across.
Those intermediates have lower cages, as if more heads were yet to be put on the masts sometime in the future.
The blowing dust is becoming severe.
Part “B”, Section 3 (of 1-9)
To refresh the forum’s memory, the following four photos from the October 2012 trip are reshown:
Looking west from what is believed to be County Road A-020:
The grade crossing:
Looking east:
The weather was clear and nice back then. This trip, however, massive sand was in the air, as seen in the next post.
Part “B”, Section 4 (of 1-9)
At the “T” intersection of CR-A017 (the yellow railings) and CR-A020 (?), dust was in the air.
Part “B”, Section 5 (of 1-9)
More blowing dust:
On the south side of the grade crossing, a bunch of now familiar tires were present. Very dusty orange cones were present too, for a future crossing gate mechanism.
The rollercoaster-like rail sight was semi-obscured.
Suddenly, the dust storm eased up. Looking east:
It was time to head east a little bit.
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