Definitive Analysis of the Bridging Over the Garey Ave. Underpass, Pomona, CA
Part A (of A-D)
Garey Ave. is a main north-south roadway artery in Pomona that intersects the east-west LA&SL and SP. Fifty years ago there was a non-quiet zone grade crossing here with antique crossing gates controlled by a man high up in a lookout box that rested on a single strong heavy beam of some sort, with obviously a ladder to go up or come down. Today, there is an underpass. Parallel to the tracks on the south side is First Street.
PHOTO #1:
The Garey Ave. underpass. Note the sidewalk on the lower left. The photo was taken on a like sidewalk on the photo right. First Street is between the bridge railing on the bridge and the closest (south) tower.
PHOTO #2:
Looking up at the First Street roadway bridging. This and all similar views herein look west, in a south to north order.
PHOTO #3:
Between bridges is the steps and elevator down from the Metrolink station platform. The bridge on the RIGHT is the sidewalk for boarding at the commuter station.
Continued in Part B
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 B (of A-D)
PHOTO #4:
Heavy structural bridging holds up the single-track LA&SL Main. Note the scarcity of rivets.
PHOTO #5:
Between the LA&SL bridge on the left (south) and the SP bridges on the right (north) is minimal bridging structure.
PHOTO #6:
A top view, looking EAST. The above photo proves that an adjacent track to the north cannot be laid in the deceptive looking cleared path between the fence and the track. The sidewalk-like path on the right was mentioned in Photo #3.
PHOTO #7
Looking west from the same general area. The Sunset Route Amtrak Pomona station is in the center left background.
Continued in Part C
Part C (of A-D)
PHOTO #8:
Next is a single-track width bridge on the SP (north) side. Unlike the LA&SL bridge, It has many rivets.
PHOTO #9:
Right next to (or north of) the above bridge is a three-track width bridge.
PHOTO #10:
Resting on the bridge in Photo #8 above AND the left (south) part of the bridging in Photo #9 is the center Metrolink platform that will have to be torn out for the "mystery track" previously described at this forum. The below photo looks EAST (the under-bridging photos look WEST). As a point of reference, the Garey Ave. underpass is just beyond the overhead pedestrian bridge on the photo top.
Continued in Part D
Part D (of A-D)
PHOTO #11:
On the north side of all the bridges is an elevator and steps (unseen) up to the Amtrak station, and, of course, up to the overhead pedestrian bridge that crosses over all the tracks. The view is of the north tower.
PHOTO #12:
No uncertain instructions here. Photo was shot from the SOUTH side Metrolink station boarding sidewalk. (The lengthy yellow striped sidewalk of Photos #6 and #7.)
If the future [CP] AL514 HAMILTON (to the west of Garey Ave.) is a full flexibility crossovers arrangement and [CP] RESEVOIR (to the east) is done away with, AND the "mystery track" connects back to the SP side rather than the LA&SL side, the above sign will be totally true, as the single-track LA&SL here will be the only track for passengers to board Metrolink trains from.
It is hoped this four-part series has given the forum a better understanding of the situation at and around Garey Ave. in Pomona, CA.
Great spelunking, K.P.!
K. P. HarrierGarey Ave. is a main north-south roadway artery in Pomona that intersects the east-west LA&SL and SP. Fifty years ago there was a non-quiet zone grade crossing here with antique crossing gates controlled by a man high up in a lookout box that rested on a single strong heavy beam of some sort, with obviously a ladder to go up or come down.
K. P. HarrierIf the future [CP] AL514 HAMILTON (to the west of Garey Ave.) is a full flexibility crossovers arrangement and [CP] RESEVOIR (to the east) is done away with, AND the "mystery track" connects back to the SP side rather than the LA&SL side, the above sign will be totally true, as the single-track LA&SL here will be the only track for passengers to board Metrolink trains from.
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! ***
To K.P. Harrier. Many thanks for this column and postings attached. While I've not always had good access to net for postings , I've been able to follow this on my cell phones e mail(No photos but the descriptions have been excellent. It is my hope that Trains will find someplace to archive this for history.
Many Thx I.G.Narita
Narig01 (11-20):
You are welcome.
MikeF90 (11-20):
Thank you for the fantastic Southern California mapping work you've linked through the underlined "looking at the 'big picture' map" that forum users can click on in the last paragraph of your November 20 post above. It is mesmerizing to tinker with.
In an examination of the map, several things popped out as having changed, need technical corrections, and/or need updating. A cursory list follows:
(1) The NINE CROSSOVER does NOT exist anymore, and was BETWEEN Sierra Ave. in Fontana and Cedar Ave. in Bloomington, and NOT at Cedar Ave. With the revamping of West Colton Yard AND the implementation of remote control units, the NINE CROSSOVER and all the related crossovers between Tracks 201 and 209 became impractical, so they were removed. The CP at Cedar Ave. is called CEDAR.
(2) The new CP at Riverside Ave. in Rialto is called RIVERSIDE AVE and NOT West Colton. The expression WEST COLTON as a CP was once applied to what was PREVIOUSLY at the present [CP] CEDAR location.
(3) The expression "Riverside Junction" (in Riverside via the LA&SL's alternate to the Sunset Route) should read WEST RIVERSIDE. The old Santa Fe Railway location once called Riverside Junction was over a mile northeast (railroad east) of BNSF's present [CP] WEST RIVERSIDE.
(4) There is no CP COLTON that I know of, just a technical timetable location called Colton. Just east of the diamonds in the City of Colton is a track branching off southward to Riverside, and the CP for it MAY be called RIVERSIDE LEAD.
(5) There is no CP ICE DECK immediately WEST of Hunts Lane in the City of San Bernardino. There is, however, a CP called LOMA LINDA just EAST of Hunts Lane. The "Ice Desk Siding" heads WESTWARD from that [CP] LOMA LINDA for over a mile to a point called [CP] ICE DECK just EAST of the Santa Ana River.
It is hoped the above is helpful in updating your wonderful mapping efforts in behalf of the forum.
K.P.
Thank You once again KP for keeping us updated. Now that Mike has given us a map to go along with your postings it makes for a more complete picture.
My only question now is KP are you going to be on top of the proposed HSR system if and when it ever begins? It is my understanding that the future HSR route through Stockton will utilize the former WP station at its original location. This will make Stockton CA the only city in the United States with three active train stations and all three existed before Amtrak. The WP station at the present time is fenced in and used for storage by the City of Stockton. Having seen the WP station in its WP days it is certainly going to take some restoration work.
I will try and document whatever construction for HSR takes place in Northern California for maybe the next ten years, as I am starting to get up there in years now so will try and document what I can.
My first project will be to get over and take as many pictures as possible of the new Alstom facilities on the former Mare Island shipyard grounds. This is a very large building far more than is necessary for the rebuilding and refurbishing of the Amtrak California and Surfliner cars. Alstom got the contract for the rebuilding and the first three cars are inside now. It is my understanding they are rebuilding three at a time.
The building is more than is necessary for just the California cars and Surfliner cars and look like they are more than capable of building HSR trainsets at that site or at least finishing HSR trainsets at that site built overseas. With the dock facilities right alongside it would be no problem to unload HSR trainsets and finish them at the Alstom Mare Island facility. Guess we will just have to see what the future holds. In any event it looks like it was a smart business decision by Alstom. Will keep everyone imformed on what I can find out.
Al - in - Stockton
desertdogK.P., I'm not sure either about the placement of the intermediate signals at Porter Rd. They seem very close to the crossovers at MP 899. As to the crossing signals at SR347, my best guess is that ADOT has a minimum / maximum distance standard for their placement. Rather than seek a waiver during construction, the UP just went along with whatever is specified. I have heard nothing recent on Red Rock. I'll have to check with some people who are much more in the know than I. John Timm
K.P.,
I'm not sure either about the placement of the intermediate signals at Porter Rd. They seem very close to the crossovers at MP 899.
As to the crossing signals at SR347, my best guess is that ADOT has a minimum / maximum distance standard for their placement. Rather than seek a waiver during construction, the UP just went along with whatever is specified.
I have heard nothing recent on Red Rock. I'll have to check with some people who are much more in the know than I.
John Timm
Passengerfan (11-21):
Reports of High Speed Rail in California have been circulating seemingly from the time of the ice age ... So, I will believe it when I see it.
If HSR ever gets going, reports are that it will go through Cajon Pass, and not too far from my residence. It would be nice if I could see the trains whizzing by in the distance from my window!
Starting a "California High Speed Rail Updates" thread would be great! But, like I said, I'll believe CHSR when I see it!
From reports I've read, some type of HSR route might cross the Sunset Route in the Ontario area. So, there would be a common point, thus, a link (at least in subject matter) to this topic ...
Desertdog (11-21):
Thanks for the Red Rock, AZ being on hold information.
Do you, or anyone, know if the installation of the second track across Highway 347 in Maricopa, AZ is now taking place as this is being posted?
K. P. HarrierPassengerfan (11-21): Reports of High Speed Rail in California have been circulating seemingly from the time of the ice age ... So, I will believe it when I see it. If HSR ever gets going, reports are than it will go through Cajon Pass, and not too far from my residence. It would be nice if I could see the trains whizzing by in the distance from my window! Starting a "California High Speed Rail Updates" thread would be great! But, like I said, I'll believe CHSR when I see it! From reports I've read, some type of HSR route might cross the Sunset Route in the Ontario area. So, there would be a common point, thus, a link (at least in subject matter) to this topic ... Desertdog (11-21): Thanks for the Red Rock, AZ being on hold information. Do you, or anyone, know if the installation of the second track across Highway 347 in Maricopa, AZ is now taking place as this is being posted? K.P.
If HSR ever gets going, reports are than it will go through Cajon Pass, and not too far from my residence. It would be nice if I could see the trains whizzing by in the distance from my window!
Re someone starting a thread like this bout California HSR. I would comment this.
1. Unlike Sunset route California HSR is going to be a public project. as such one could probably (hopefully) could ask someone in the project questions.(Lots of questions)
2.If the request were properly done one could probably get a fair amount of assistance. Especially if it were framed in a sense of history.
Rgds IGN
Here is a link to an update on the SR 347 crossing project from the Maricopa Monitor, including a map of the affected area:
http://www.trivalleycentral.com/articles/2009/11/24/maricopa_monitor/top_stories/doc4b06d3a54f608816360303.txt
On a related note, farther down the way at the Rillito River crossing in Tucson, a pile driver is now in position and over the past week has driven several steel piles into the river bed. On the frontage road along I-10 just north of Ruthrauff Rd., Ames Construction has set up a small construction yard.
I rode Metrolink out to Pomona from LA today; as reported above the "Sunset relocation track" in place west of Pomona is now covered in weeds. Here are a couple of pictures - the first shows the S-curve track with weeds; the second shows the extra bridge span added at Lanterman Hospital.
Signals
On Tuesday, November 24, 2009 a fenced LA&SL (not SP) facility in Ontario, CA was examined from the outside. It seemed to be a semi-graveyard of old CP and grade crossing control boxes from the past. Unseen there before were a number of mast signals lying on the ground. It is unknown if they were new or used, but at least some seemed to be of the two-direction type, others not.
They also looked quite dusty. And, they were completely painted, unlike the signal department painted and unpainted signals in Maricopa, AZ photographed back in September (below).
MP57313 (11-25):
Thanks for posting photos of the west of Temple Ave Diversion you shot from a Metrolink train you rode.
My SP north side photo showed very much vegetation overgrowth for the reverse S-curve, so your LA&SL south side photos were remarkable with not as much vegetation growth. Probably the difference was caused by so much extra activity around the west of Temple Ave. CP.
Update as of November 27, 2009:
Fontana, CA
The New Cypress Ave. Overpass Seems to Block the View of the Signals
It appears, to this forumist anyway, that the view for eastbound trains to the signal bridge will be blocked by the new overpass. The below photo was posted so the forum could make its own evaluation of the situation.
The above photo was shot from the Citrus Ave. overpass and looks eastward at the new Cypress Ave. overpass under construction about a half a mile away. A quarter of a mile further east is the partially in service signal bridge in question at the west end of [CP] SIERRA. A quarter of a mile even further east is the Sierra Ave. overpass, at the western edge of West Colton's Receiving Yard..
In the photo background is a disappearing eastbound with a DPU at the tail end on Main 2. To its left is an approaching westbound on the new Main 1. Main 1 presently ends by Sierra Ave.
The below photo shot over a year ago looks west from the Sierra Ave. overpass in September 2008 (hence, does not have the new Cypress Ave. overpass in it) and shows the incomplete and ending Main 1 on the right within [CP] SIERRA.
The track on the foreground left in the photo just above is Track 100.
I could obviously be mistaken but that looks to be temporary. Perhaps the final bridge will be higher. Also I think you would need a cab view to really see, or not see what the signals/bridge view is.
John Edwards (11-27):
About that under construction Cypress Ave. overpass in Fontana, CA possibly blocking the [CP] SIERRA signal bridge ...
I tend to agree with you that the only way that the forum can know FOR SURE if the view of the signal bridge in question is obstructed is for a train crew member to tell us.
Compounding the difficulty for the forum's awareness is the ever more restrictive public access to that area. More on the blockage and access will be dealt with in a two-part series that follows.
Revisiting the Cypress Ave. Overpass Signal Blockage Issue Plus Public Access to the Railroad Right-of-Way -- Part I (of II)
This forumist is inclined to believe the new Cypress Ave. overpass in Fontana, CA will block the view of eastbound trains to the new west signal bridge at [CP] SIERRA.
The below photo looking east from the Oleander Ave. dead end shows the Cypress Ave. overpass under construction. This view that is nearly even in height with the rails seems to indicate the signal bridge will be blocked from the view of trains.
The below previously shown westward looking view from last year shows that signal bridge structure. A return to the site was made with the hope of documenting how the new railroad gate-work has been erected to clearly indicate where the railroad's property begins. However, one of the property owners next to the tracks had a chain link fence gate OPEN and a pack of his vicious dogs thwarted any photography efforts, or even getting out of the vehicle! Of course, the flip side of that is the dogs have no concept of property boundaries, so a train crew member walking their train are subject to having their leg bitten off ...
The gate right by the under construction Cypress Ave overpass. Simple, but effective -- at least against law abiding railfans. Against crooks and graffiti minded individuals such gates might be less effective.
The above gate's "lock" leaves much to be desired.
Continued in Part II
Revisiting the Cypress Ave. Overpass Plus Public Access to the Railroad Right-of-Way -- Part II (of II)
The under construction Cypress Ave. bridge. The concrete bottom of the bridge will probably be right above the temporary steel beam-work (top right). So, the first photo in Part I above might be a good indicator if the signal bridge will be blocked or not.
After the bridge is finished, all the supporting woodwork will come down, leaving a wide right-of-way path. The main concrete support piers that will remain are visible in the photo center.
The Oleander Ave. gate-work as a double-stack glides by (leftward). This view illustrates the difficulty in photo-documenting the area now.
The gate lock there is an actual lock.
As stated previously, the forum can draw its own conclusions about whether or not the signal bridge will be blocked by the new overpass. But hindering that determination has been those yellow gates. Interestingly, shortly after the second photo in Part I first appeared in this topic last year the yellow gates were put in. It is hoped the installation of such gates was in conjunction with upgrades to West Colton Yard and only coincidental to the documenting photography, and not because of that photography ...
Progress continues on the SR347 grade crossing project in Maricopa. Here is a link to an update from this week's Maricopa Monitor, complete with a somewhat fuzzy picture of the un-connected second track that now crosses the road:
http://www.trivalleycentral.com/articles/2009/11/30/maricopa_monitor/top_stories/doc4b0db4feaa07f965580990.txt
With the Christmas holiday upon us, I will not likely be able to get down to Maricopa myself any time soon. Hopefully, Matthew or someone else can supply us an update in the meantime.
Update as of Late Friday Night, December 5, 2009
Part I (of II)
West Colton Yard, CA - A Miraculous Sign?
Remember the long line of stored power in the RECIEVING Yard? The previously shown view below that looks west from Cedar Ave. shows that long line of power in the background.
The above line of power has been moved in its entirety to the DEPARTURE Yard. Looking west from Pepper Ave. in Colton.
Looking east from Riverside Ave., Rialto.
The shop facility, shot from Riverside Ave. looking east. Pepper Ave is in the distance on the middle far left.
It is unknown why the stored power was repositioned. Will the units be cycled through the shop and put back into service? Was it just to make room in a cramped Receiving Yard? Time will tell ... unless someone at the forum knows the details and will share ...
Part II (of II)
West Colton Yard, CA - New Things?
There is something that appears new about the new signaling at the Balloon. Los Angeles bound WCY trains normally leave EASTWARD (from left to right in the below photo, on the second track from the bottom) and pass and knock down the lined-up two-headed signal indication on the right signal. The train then goes around the Balloon, and re-emerges and passes the signal on the left (facing away from the camera) and heads WEST (left).
What is new is when a train is completely past the interlocking on the RIGHT (and out of view), if a second train is lined that will follow the first to Los Angeles, the signal on the right displays red over flashing red! It does so until the last car goes around the Balloon and passes the signal on the LEFT, and then the signal on the RIGHT goes to red over yellow.
Most here at the forum know that a blue light is used for blue flagging a train (meaning not to connect to or move it) or track (meaning don't enter or exit from that track).
In the center of the above view (looking west from Pepper Ave.), just right of the distant, left CP-like box is a FLASHING blue light AWAY from both the switch and power. It is actually a blue flag AND blue light on a pole. Just right of the power (top left) there seems to be a small vehicle used by yard staffers connecting hoses, etc.
(That long line of power now in the Departure Yard is on the photo upper right.)
Update as of Friday, December 11, 2009:
(Part I of V)
City of Industry, CA (West of Pomona)
Grand Ave.
Much has been said here at the forum about the Diversion in Pomona, CA., and that there is a LA&SL double-crossover called [CP] GRAND a few miles WEST of the new four-track CP just west of Temple Ave.
This and the next post will focus on that trackage around Grand Ave.
The LA&SL double-crosser [CP] GRAND, looking westbound. The area is heavily industrialized. Fifty years ago there was noting out here, just a single-track UP and a single-track SP a quarter of a mile to the north (right).
West of [CP] GRAND: A telephoto. Notice the alignment shift in the distance. TWO birds are checking out the line.
An eastbound UP crosses over. Most likely this train was heading to Las Vegas, NV and Salt Lake City, UT and the Midwest, and not Arizona and Texas
(Part II of V)
Looking east. The Pomona Diversion is only about two miles further east. As seen by the traffic sign on the far upper right, the City of Industry does not make railfan photography easy. A hike to the LA&SL was about a half of a mile one way. As with the Temple Ave. overpass in Pomona, this overpass, while modern and contemporary in design, is a few decades old and does NOT have wire meshing screen that makes photographing trains so difficult.
A block or two to the north of the LA&SL is the original single-track SP Sunset Route. View looks westward. Note that there is plenty of room on the left (south) for another track.
An eastward view of the SP side Sunset Route. A short distance PAST the curve, out of camera view, is where the Pomona Diversion begins.
Continued in Part III
(Part III of V)
Pomona, CA
Trespassers in love ... The whole area had a proliferation of birds in twos. View looks eastward at the new east signal bridge west of Temple Ave. The weather was heavy overcast.
That new switch that currently goes nowhere is beside a new retaining wall, probably a hundred feet long, plus or minus. In the past, residents would park their autos in front of it, making photographically documenting the wall difficult. On this visit, this forumist found no autos blocking the wall's view, so here is what the wall unobstructed looks like. Remember, the track was shifted north (left) five feet. As seen in this view, the track was (and some parts still are) so close to the roadway that ballast would fall onto the street.
It was not practical to explore and photograph the Humane Way area. It appeared, though, the concrete-work was finished. Also, temporary protective woodwork had been erected pending more permanent fencing for the channel. No actual rail has been laid for the fourth track yet west or east of Humane Way.
Parts IV and V will be posted Monday afternoon, December 14, 2009, and deals with West Colton Yard. Would you believe an absolute signal that must be manually turned on?
desertdog Progress continues on the SR347 grade crossing project in Maricopa. Here is a link to an update from this week's Maricopa Monitor, complete with a somewhat fuzzy picture of the un-connected second track that now crosses the road: http://www.trivalleycentral.com/articles/2009/11/30/maricopa_monitor/top_stories/doc4b0db4feaa07f965580990.txt With the Christmas holiday upon us, I will not likely be able to get down to Maricopa myself any time soon. Hopefully, Matthew or someone else can supply us an update in the meantime. John Timm
Hello Desertdog and K.P., Yes I have new pictures of the Mariocpa AZ area, they have almost completed hooking up to south main 2 across SR347, I have 2 links for pictures....Happy Hunting....Matt
http://www.westcoastrailforums.com/view_topic.php?id=3383&forum_id=73
http://www.westcoastrailforums.com/view_topic.php?id=3384&forum_id=73
Hope all Railfans have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and keep getting the great pictures!
I'm surprised that UP didn't make the retaining wall along 1st St longer. As one of the pictures in this offsite post shows, the UP side of the ROW looked noticeably lower 40 years ago before the installation of concrete ties and a lot of ballast. BTW the same post shows a pic of a bumper post in front of the Pomona station, confirming that there used to be a setout track there.
(Part IV of V)
West Colton Yard, CA
This forumist visited Pepper Ave. at West Colton Yard in the early evening and noted that an EASTBOUND had just been route lined switch-wise (the orange switch light on the photo bottom).
The eastbound went under Pepper Ave. and stopped because of a DARK OVER DARK signal! The vertical reflective light underneath the two signal heads is only the "Begin CTC" sign.
After a few minutes, apparently the signal was manually turned on at some unknown location, and it displayed yellow over red.
Since the signal stayed yellow over red until the train went past the signal, apparently a cross-traffic BNSF was lined over the Colton Crossing, and the above train had to wait at [CP] RANCHO a mile to the east.
Continued in Part V.
(Part V of V)
A new sign of some sort has been erected on the west side of Pepper Ave., BETWEEN the departure tracks (starting on the photo bottom left) and Mains 1 & 2 (upper right).
It is unknown if the new sign acts like the tote boards recently taken down that currently are still laying at the signal facility in downtown Colton.
IF (not that it does) the new sign does in fact act like a tote board, it certainly won't be as clearly visible from a distance.
A Side Note About Switches
In Part I of this December 11, 2009 series, photos were shown of [CP] GRAND on the LA&SL. One of the benefits of shooting photography from an overpass is that a birds-eye view of turnouts can be had. Note the frog in the [CP} GRAND photo below.
For decades on the Los Angeles-Salt Lake City line UP (LA&SL) has used closed frog switches on their 30 M.P.H. turnouts. The above 50 M.P.H. turnout has those closed frogs that are flange forced open in turnout mode but allows a smooth passing over in straight mode. It is unknown if the Sunset Route now uses those closed frog turnouts throughout as standard equipment, or if the one shot above is only inherent to the LA&SL. There are few places (if any) on the Sunset Route where high-speed turnouts can be inspected from the view of an overpass like at [CP] GRAND.
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