Hey all... Quick update from Tucson....
The grade crossing replacement at Cortaro Road is done, but they did not
add a second track stub while the crossing was closed for the replacement, as they did when the crossing near Avra Valley Rd. was replaced some time ago. So, Naviska to Stockham looks to remain mostly single track for some time...
KP Wrote: Now, back to the east Guasti area ... With the above story in mind, it is extremely unlikely any train would use the switch and un-ballasted track. Perhaps a maintenance-of-way ballast train might, but not a regular revenue train, not even a short local. Before now, the Guasti siding was a busy, often used one. So, it is unlikely the east switch would remain out of service for any length of time. I would imagine new signals and that new east side switch will be up and running in no time!
Now, back to the east Guasti area ... With the above story in mind, it is extremely unlikely any train would use the switch and un-ballasted track. Perhaps a maintenance-of-way ballast train might, but not a regular revenue train, not even a short local.
Before now, the Guasti siding was a busy, often used one. So, it is unlikely the east switch would remain out of service for any length of time. I would imagine new signals and that new east side switch will be up and running in no time!
Yup, the track is a little low, but still in service. I was there again this afternoon after work. A couple revenue trains and a short local used the Guasti Siding, so again, It's definitely in service.
eolesen Hey all... Quick update from Tucson.... The grade crossing replacement at Cortaro Road is done, but they did not add a second track stub while the crossing was closed for the replacement, as they did when the crossing near Avra Valley Rd. was replaced some time ago. So, Naviska to Stockham looks to remain mostly single track for some time...
Nice.. thanks for the update.
--Robert
A Sleep Deprived K.P. (with a Camera)
Part I (of I-IV)
The Future CP AL514 HAMILTON
Pomona, CA
With little notice, K.P. found himself out running around at 3:30 A.M., Tuesday, July 31, 2012, after a surprise developed less than 24-hours earlier. Afterward, the Pomona area was checked out at the crack of dawn. Nothing track-wise had changed, and the incomplete Diversion remained such as it has for the last couple of years.
All trains were being flagged through the downtown area on account of red signals, on both the SP and LA&SL sides. The crossing gates had been down at both Hamilton Blvd. and Park Ave. apparently for several hours. Surprisingly, no autos were waiting!
An eastbound via CP C031 OAK passes the new switch area (photo center) of the future CP AL514 HAMILTON.
The walling in the above view is where what is believed to be a signal bridge will be erected after the area tracks are rearranged.
The downed crossing gates at Hamilton Blvd. are barely visible on the background right.
Whatever the problem was, it seemed to be a hairy one, as TWO maintainer vehicles were onsite
As it got lighter, a westward view from Hamilton Blvd. afforded itself.
Completing all this trackage is apparently contingent upon an outcome of the UP-Kinder Morgan controversy and litigation.
Continued in Part II
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 II (of I-IV)
The Milliken Ave. Flyover
Ontario, CA
K.P.'s recent good fortune at the new flyover at Milliken Ave. continued. When he got to the site, it again so happened that a train was coming right then, an eastbound!
It was traveling considerably faster this time. As more trains go over the flyover, and the track is settling without incident, it could ("could") be speed restrictions are lightening. It looked like the train above was traveling about 40 M.P.H.
Continued in Part III
Part III (of I-IV)
Looking east from Milliken Ave., a tie across the now out of service old track can be seen:
North of the Sunset Route is the east-west Guasti Rd. Guasti Road between Milliken Ave. and Haven Ave. does not presently go through, apparently being blocked by a trucking outfit's property. It is unknown if there is a condemnation controversy tied up in in the courts or not. The light standard for the background Guasti Rd. is on the right.
By the above view, and near to the east switch of the Guasti CTC siding (that K.P. believed was out of service, but cabcar reported seeing a few trains traversing it), is a pile of gravel / ballast. A UPS jumbo aircraft is seen making its final landing approach, and will touch down within seconds.
Continued in Part IV
Part IV (of I-IV)
The Colton Flyover
Colton, CA
Over at Colton, the flyover's La Cadena Drive bridge supports seem relatively complete for this stage of the project, and the protective walling above the sides of the street have been taken down.
The west pier support:
Previously, the westward view from La Cadena Drive was blocked, either by buildings or high equipment. This day, the view was relative clear, just lower supplies and equipment remained.
Finally ... Proof that the new CP AL525 GUASTI signal control box is still by the Colton Signal Dept., though so much of the electrical boxing previously there has been cleared away.
This will conclude the "A Sleep Deprived K.P." series.
Niland, Salton Sea, and New Perspectives on an Ontario Mystery
On Friday, August 3, 2012, K.P. was in the above areas of California. At Niland, preparation for two-tracks is going full force. The Salton Sea area ... Well ... there are mixed things to report ... and severe access problems. And, in Ontario, K.P.'s totally incorrect perception about one of cabcar's recent photos (it can be perceived two different ways) inspired K.P. to search for other angles of photographic views, and some other angles HAVE been found, as unbelievable as that is for that rather impossible location!
Hopefully, by early to mid-next week, material on these matters will be ready for posting.
cabcar (7-29 Follow-Up):
I think the lower of your two photos (mentioned above) is worth money! Seriously! It is one of those rare types that can be perceived TWO different ways. It took me a week and an onsite visit (and a lot of time after the visit) to figure out that there even was another way, and that I had been perceiving things the wrong way. Because things make sense now, I'm at peace! I'll share more about this on the trip report (if I can get over the embarrassment).
eoleson (8-1):
It is always good to hear your trusty report from Arizona. Thanks for thinking of us at the forum.
Confirmed
Sources indicate the relocated dual-control switch at CP AL525 GUASTI was general order listed as being put in service Monday, July 23, 2012, as well as the new, relocated intermediate signals at the east end of the Milliken Ave. Flyover.
It is unknown if trains were using the flyover or not the day before, Sunday, as an onsite worker had informed K.P. previously. But, Monday, they definitely were!
Best,
K.P.
The "Checking Things Out" Schedule
Concerning K.P.'s Friday, August 3, 2012 trip between Niland and Ontario, CA ...
... the two-tracking update and related matters report to the forum is scheduled as thus:
Parts A-G: "The Niland, CA Area." Tuesday, August 7, 2012 by at least 9:00 A.M.
Parts H-O: "By California's Salton Sea," "Semi-Good Fortune at Indio, CA," "By Colton Crossing," and "The Mystery Trackage of CP AL525 GUASTI." Thursday, August 9, 2012 by at least 9:00 A.M.
Checking Things Out
Friday, August 3, 2012
Part "A" (of A-G, Overall A-O)
The Niland, CA Area
This report from the above date begins in the far eastern Niland area, goes westward by Salton Sea, through Indio, hops over to Colton, and ends in Guasti of the Ontario area.
Reportedly, the current two-tracking will be all the way east to somewhere in the Iris siding area, the present east switch of which is at CP SP676 IRIS (M.P. 675.6). That area has not even been reached yet by this two-tracking effort, nor did K.P. reach there either in his travels, as the road to Iris was ironically closed! The road looked passable, but the "Road Closed" sign (lower far right) made passage legally inadvisable. An eastbound double-stack is on the photo left, traveling away from the camera.
(The above paragraph mentioned passing a "Road Closed" sign as legally inadvisable. In the Cajon Pass area, in my local, home turf, I once passed such a "Road Closed" sign. A California Highway Patrolmen came along soon afterward, and got on my case. So, now I take "Road Closed" to mean just that! Of course, I've often wondered if the CHP had some kind of agreement with a Cajon Pass group that didn't always sport clothing ...)
A telephoto of the next intermediate signals east, as well as the west interlocking of CP SP SP674 IRIS (M.P. 673.9).in the far distance.
To the west, there was grading south of the tracks for some distance, but it appears to be unrelated to the two-tracking. The Sunset Route is visible on the upper quarter of the below photo.
Looking west with a telephoto, there seemed to be initial grading on the north (right) side of the tracks. The Niland center CP signal bridges are visible in the far background.
All the above photos were shot in the vicinity of Flowing Wells and Nider Rds.
Continued in Part "B"
Part "B" (of A-G, Overall A-O)
In the vicinity of the east switch of Niland, at CP SP669 NILAND (M.P. 667.9, the east westbound signal on the upper photo right), there was plenty going on. Two modern, full sized, maroonish-red worker pickup trucks are seen (left of center). Such pickup trucks all had a yellow "A" on the doors, for Ames, this area's two-tracking grading and culvert construction contractor. The view looks eastbound from Main Street.
The Ames Construction outfit was on the west side of Main Street.
Continued in Part "C"
Part "C" (of A-G, Overall A-O)
A gallery of photos about the Ames outfit and their yard: In the first photo, on the lower left, note the large drilling tool.
This very nearby scene may or may not be Ames related. Aerials do NOT show such a layout, so all this is probably connected to Ames.
Continued in Part "D"
Part "D" (of A-G, Overall A-O)
Near the grade crossing and Ames yard, a couple of white hatted workers were digging:
The makeshift roadway to the Ames yard is clearly marked, near the main track that has UP trains flying by often. The below train is traveling eastward, photo leftward.
While K.P. was by that Ames yard, one of the maroon-red pickup trucks came out of the yard, stopped while blocking the street (there was no other traffic), and inquired in a leery voice what I was doing. When I explain I was a railfan taking photos of the two-tracking, they seemed relieved, chatted briefly, and continued on.
There seemed to be much paranoia right now for some unknown reason, and it could be terrorist threat related. There will be more about this later.
A tidbit about those maroon-red Ames full sized pickup trucks: It is unfortunate K.P. wasn't thinking when he saw them everywhere a few times, as a bunch of those trucks scattered in one general area would have made a stunning photo!
Continued in Part "E"
Part "E" (of A-G, Overall A-O)
By English Rd. on the west side of town, the presence of construction was quite obvious. View looks west.
Further west, in the M.P. 663.1 area, construction was very prominent.
Apparently, night work must be done here, for floodlights were present.
Continued in Part "F"
Part "F" (of A-G, Overall A-O)
The construction at that M.P. 663.1 location had a little something more than usual: An active water flow that was being rerouted.
Continued in Part "G"
Part "G" (of A-G, Overall A-O)
A broadside view of the new culvert-work:
A supervisor dutifully steps down for an inspection and seems to be finding things are moving along just fine.
There were cranes in the area, the right one with belted traction.
------------
To be continued in Part "H" (of H-O), scheduled for posting Thursday, August 9, 2012 by 9 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time, but probably earlier.
K. P. Harrier cabcar (7-29 Follow-Up): I think the lower of your two photos (mentioned above) is worth money! Seriously! It is one of those rare types that can be perceived TWO different ways. It took me a week and an onsite visit (and a lot of time after the visit) to figure out that there even was another way, and that I had been perceiving things the wrong way. Because things make sense now, I'm at peace! I'll share more about this on the trip report (if I can get over the embarrassment). Confirmed Sources indicate the relocated dual-control switch at CP AL525 GUASTI was general order listed as being put in service Monday, July 23, 2012, as well as the new, relocated intermediate signals at the east end of the Milliken Ave. Flyover. It is unknown if trains were using the flyover or not the day before, Sunday, as an onsite worker had informed K.P. previously. But, Monday, they definitely were! Best, K.P.
No problem, KP, glad to clear up the confusion. ;)
Excellent update around Niland on the double track work btw.
Part "H" (of H-O, Overall A-O)
By California's Salton Sea
We now move west towards Salton Sea. Highway 111 (background) has a speed limit of 65 M.P.H. Freights are likewise here. (Passenger trains, Amtrak and UP) can go 79 M.P.H. This is fast running territory! A view looking eastbound from Frink Rd:
As reported last time, the grading is finished on the north side (bottom of the above photo) of the presently single-track line.
A wide angle view seems more in tune with the track speed here. Only grade crossing panels and ties are present as reported before and there were no signs yet of track laying on the finished grading.
West of Frink Rd. a tie laying machine rests in a spur off the Rogoza siding.
Back on June 23, 2012, that same spur had a track-tie laying machine in it also. The following June view is reshown. That was the photo where a Border Patrol officer was looking for illegals up from Mexico and the train was crawling by (westward, away from the camera).
Continued in Part "I"
Part "I" (of H-O, Overall A-O)
There was nothing to report by the Hot Spring Rd. grade crossing, another one of the very few grade crossings in this whole area.
Now, we arrive at one of the key locations K.P. was eager to inspect, the Range Rd. grade crossing, very near the east switch of the present Bertram siding, CP SP648 BERTRAM (M.P. 647.8). Note how close to the tracks Salton Sea is in the background. The second-track will be laid through the photo's bottom area.
The future CP just east of the grade crossing was somewhat partially put together, and was being worked on.
But, as you can see, the photos are very limited in their visual scope. Unfortunately, a supervisor that was in a truck with UP markings on it, drove over and inform me that it was illegal to take photos as I was doing in the present terrorist environment. Who was he trying to fool? To avoid hassles, I moved on. I did drive by again on the paralleling Highway 111 about 20 minutes later, but the supervisor was still there. So, I left the area completely. But, what credit is someone like that supervisor to UP? Won't he tell UP itself untruths? In that respect, one has to feel sorry for UP. But, getting back to photography for the forum ... As the saying goes: 'There is more than one way to skin a cat.' It is just that some more money for gas will have to be spent to do it ...
Continued in Part "J"
Part "J" (of H-O, Overall A-O)
There were centers of activity here and there as K.P. progressed further west on Highway 111. K.P. had been expecting this whole area to have had installed new signal masts with heads turned away, but none were even present.
A few miles east of the Mortmar siding, by Corvina Beach, where a new two-tracking CP is going in, there was a lot of activity. Empty ballast trains were parked. Unfortunately, it did not seem practical to take any worthwhile photos, as Highway 111 is lower than the Sunset Route here.
Near the west switch of the Mortmar siding (CP SP633 MORTMAR at M.P. 632.9), the area where a bunch of UP equipment was previously parked ...
... was now all cleared away, and devoid of any such UP equipment and supplies!
From the Corvine Beach area, there was no future two-tracking westward, where two-tracking westward will end for now.
Semi-Good Fortune at Indio, CA
Since K.P. was a little ahead of schedule, a stop in Indio was made, at the Jackson St. overpass, the site of the first of two eastbound mast signal sets with lower heads in advance of CP SP615 COACHELLA, where there are 50 M.P.H. crossovers. Immediately, it was seen that an eastbound was approaching! Would K.P. get to finally see what is believed to be a yellow over flashing green on one of the signals? Unfortunately, the one of two signals (background) only displayed a flashing yellow over dark. Thwarted again! Oh, well.
If any here at the forum has seen what the lower heads display, K.P. would sure like to see a post from them about such a visual siting!
Continued in Part "K"
Part "K" (of H-O, Overall A-O)
By Colton Crossing
Now, we move over to Colton. The Sunset Route Colton trackage crosses the BNSF Transcon at M.P. 538.7. Little was seen to be going on that was reportable as an update, but the SOUTH of the Sunset Route pier was having concrete pored.
That is the pier that will be in the way of the future northwest quadrant's transition track, so is being erected on the south side. That location will have a long upper cross section over to the north side.
A westbound (UP 4733) came along, and its being north of the new pier, proved the pier was SOUTH of the Sunset Route.
Continued in Part "L"
Part "L" (of H-O, Overall A-O)
The northeast quadrant of Colton Crossing was went to, and a photo was taken of what that area looks like, by I-10, and the new pier structures being erected there. Arizona is to the left.
The Rancho Ave. overpass was driven over, but little to report was seen. However, the southernmost switching track (far left on the below previously shown photo) ...
... had a wide strip of ground south (left) of it all dug out a foot or two deep all along that southernmost (leftmost) track, all the way back around the curve. Hopefully, next time more time will be available to pursue documenting that, and maybe why such is taking place.
Continued in Part "M"
Part "M" (of H-O, Overall A-O)
The Mystery Trackage of CP AL525 GUASTI
Recently, cabcar posted a ground level photo of a revised CP AL525 GUASTI, a revision that became necessary because of the new southern alignment of the Milliken Ave. Flyover. In his actually seeing what he photographed, the scene undoubtedly made perfect sense to cabcar. But, K.P., by NOT being there, interpreted the photo differently, rather erroneously because of illusions that can be misinterpreted. K.P. visited the site area to try to eyewitness what was actually there.
Guasti Rd., assessable from Haven Ave. (to the west), was driven down. K.P. soon saw what looked like an abandoned construction inspired hill. So, up it he went. .What great, partial views could be seen therefrom!
The new east westbound signal is now a left side signal: Note the old foreground mainline track is now severed.
A wider angle:
The west side eastbound signals:
Continued in Part "N"
Part "N" (of H-O, Overall A-O)
In comparing the present below August 3, 2012 straight southward view ...
... with the below reshown July 31, 2012 angled view (just a week ago, and while under the NEW alignment) ...
... or even this June 8, 2011 taken view:
... there are still questions of how things are.
Continued in Part "O"
Part "O" (of H-O, Overall A-O)
A never before shown same as above June 8, 2011 file photo with a wider angle, with more of the building location identifiers ...
Angled views can be incredibly deceptive as to what is where. Forumites may want to compare the just above photo with the first Part "N" August 3, 2012 side view.
It is hard to assess the situation, but it seems likely the SOUTHERN west side eastbound signal was moved to make room for the siding's alignment shift to the south, possibly forward or back.
Finally, two additional views shot August 3, 2012 of the WEST side eastbound signals, the south one and then the north one.
On the just above north signal, the small patch of lighter ballast on the lower right seems to suggest the Main's mast was relocated slightly.
I'll let the forum draw its own conclusion whether or not IF the two west eastbound signals at the east end of the Guasti siding were relocated, but K.P. is inclined to think they were.
So, that is the situation from Niland to Guasti. It is hoped the forum has been able to get a feel for the activity in the Niland, Salton Sea, and Colton areas, with a little different perspective to ponder at Guasti.
-----------
K.P. was twice in Colton, CA briefly on Wednesday, August 8, 2012. West of Rancho Ave., in the morning Main 2 was found to have had been realigned, and a track equipment item was on it. At 9th Street the flyover is getting higher slowly but surely. In the afternoon, at CP SP540 MT VERNON (M.P. 539.9), a new Main 1 burial stand for a new signal was put in. Photos should be forthcoming, hopefully Friday.
Update as of Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Colton Flyover Area
Part I (of I-II)
Bad News ... Good News
Part "L" of earlier today's "Checking Things Out" post series spoke of dirt dug down a foot or two alongside the southernmost switching track for West Colton Yard's Departure Yard, the particular trackage is the trackage just west of WEST of Rancho Ave., in the general M.P. 538 area.
On Wednesday, August 8, 2012, K.P. managed to visit Rancho Ave. again with specific intent on photographing that dug down right-of-way. The bad news is that that dug down area is now already all filled in, possibly with new dirt!
The good news is, as can be seen in the above view, Main 2 has been moved over, in accordance with the flyover diagram plans. It was photographed with a yellow piece of track equipment on it The Main 2 track is no longer right next to the two switching lead type tracks.
A westward telephoto:
A wider angle with an out and back move for assembling a train for the Departure Yard.
The future, big CP of unknown specifics (name, etc.) is slowly coming together.
As a memory aid for comparison, the below July 18, 2012 previously posted photo is reshown.
Part II (of I-II)
The Flyover's Side Walling is Getting Higher!
From 9th St. looking south, the walling is getting higher.
More and more worker vehicles are on site. Note the ladder leaning against the walling on the right.
From the ground level, east side, Mt. Vernon Ave. overpass area, looking west, the flyover's presently limited height structuring appears to have wet cement poured into it.
An Unexpected Place for a Signal
K.P. was surprised to find that the Main 1 side, which has no signals on the west side of the Santa Ana River, had a signal burial base put in the ground (lower right).
In the above photo, the Main 2 west side eastbound signals are for the CP SP941 MT VERNON interlocking, where the transition track branches off and heads to the Colton Crossing area.
At this point of signal installation (just a base), it is too early to interpret what is going on, as no signal has been needed here for as long as K.P. can remember.
The location is an easy one to keep an eye on, so K.P. will watch it in behalf of the forum. CP SP541 MT VERNON is an odd one, though, because it is actually in a transition, where Main 2 on the east lines up with Main 1 on the west. The flyover will undoubtedly do away with that transition, so the future new signal may only be temporary.
K. P. Harrier Checking Things Out Friday, August 3, 2012 Part "H" (of H-O, Overall A-O) By California's Salton Sea We now move west towards Salton Sea. Highway 111 (background) has a speed limit of 65 M.P.H. Freights are likewise here. (Passenger trains, Amtrak and UP) can go 79 M.P.H. This is fast running territory!
We now move west towards Salton Sea. Highway 111 (background) has a speed limit of 65 M.P.H. Freights are likewise here. (Passenger trains, Amtrak and UP) can go 79 M.P.H. This is fast running territory!
K.P. You never had to drive a truck in California. Speed limit for trucks is supposed to be 55mph. Never did have trouble keeping up with trains by the Salton Sea though.
Thanks Again
IGN
Curses, Strangulations, and Influxes
The far western end of the Sunset Route has seen an influx of additional train traffic, but the increase is costing UP money!
This involves the so called I-5 Corridor, between Los Angeles, CA and Portland, OR / Seattle, WA. Before UP bought SP, the SP line between Los Angeles and Palmdale was sold to Metrolink, a commuter agency. When UP took over SP, freight trains still used the Los Angeles-Palmdale segment because of previously agreed upon trackage rights.
In recent times, however, and odd development surfaced. Metrolink changed the operating rules (which they had a right to do as owner of the line), and most UP trains using the line became severely handicapped with a 25 M.P.H. speed limit in the mountainous and canyon-like territory thereof -- the curse. Add commuter rush hours to the scene and UP freights using the line became strangled, if they are even allowed on it.
To keep their trains moving, UP rerouted many of the effected trains via the Palmdale Cutoff ... which line goes through Cajon Pass (the Palmdale Cutoff is the right track in the below photo, the left is BNSF's Transcon) ...
... thus adding trains to the Sunset Route between West Colton Yard (in Colton, the Palmdale Cutoff is slanted on upper left in the below old view) ...
... and Los Angeles, such as the trackage in this Ontario view (of CP AL520 NORTH ONTARIO) that looks east from the Mountain Ave. overpass in Montclair.
The long way around is between 60 and 70 miles extra, but at least things are fluid thereon.
Such rerouted trains can NOT go over the Los Angeles & Salt Lake (LA&SL) between Pomona and Colton (via Riverside and the great viaduct) ...
... because of a lack of a transition track in the southwest quadrant of the Colton Crossing. So, they have to use the Sunset Route. This all gives more reason for two-tracking the Pomona to Fontana segment of that route.
Interestingly, the Milliken Ave. Flyover will be a two-track flyover when all is finished. Followers of this thread know the new "Main 2" Milliken Ave. Flyover was recently opened for use.
The future alongside it "Main 1" Flyover should begin construction soon.
It is doubtful that any of us here at the forum ever thought the Sunset Route and Palmdale Cutoff would ever see UP's I-5 Corridor trains on a regular basis ... but, we sure see them now!
narig01 (8-11):
Pacing a train by Salton Sea is fun ... if one is right alongside the power to begin with. If you're trying to get to the power, well, it might take 30 miles or more to do it!
Most of the trucks along Salton Sea tend to go 60 M.P.H. Some radicals go around me at 70 M.P.H. plus!
For a trucker railfan, the Salton Sea area is a great place to make a living ... pacing trains and getting paid for it! What more can a person ask for?
K. P. HarrierCurses, Strangulations, and Influxes The far western end of the Sunset Route has seen an influx of additional train traffic, but the increase is costing UP money! .... snip ..... The long way around is between 60 and 70 miles extra, but at least things are fluid thereon. ... snip ...
The far western end of the Sunset Route has seen an influx of additional train traffic, but the increase is costing UP money! .... snip .....
... snip ...
The tight fisted management of SP decided to invest most of their meager RR profits elsewhere rather than on RR infrastructure improvements. Double tracking was minimal in most parts of the SP. The mountainous, slow ex-Valley line through Soledad Canyon has only seen improvements under SCRRA (Metrolink) ownership.
The Mojave sub must be 'fluid enough' for UP's I-5 traffic otherwise we would see more investment - very unlikely considering the expense of new trackage in the rugged Cajon Pass. Yah, I think they'll be using the triple tracked BNSF for the time being. LH crossover at Silverwood, anyone?
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... "The Mojave sub must be 'fluid enough' for UP's I-5 traffic otherwise we would see more investment - very unlikely considering the expense of new trackage in the rugged Cajon Pass. Yah, I think they'll be using the triple tracked BNSF for the time being. LH crossover at Silverwood, anyone?" ...
I always thought that an eastbound crossover fromt eh Santa Fe to the Cutoff would work very well at Devore. That and a second track all the way to around the point where the Cutoff goes underneath I-15 near Hesperia would keep things very fluid for UP.
Plus such a connection could offer BNSF a shortcut for its trains heading to Bakersfield and could serve as anincentive to get BNSF to help pay for the additional trackage and possibly more sidings between the end of the double track segment and Mojave. After all, ATSF had seriously looked at a "Barstow Cutoff" from Cajon Summit to Mojave years ago and thisis one way it could become reality now. Vern
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