As I surmised in my September 1st post, the closure of Marsh Station Road from September 6th through the 19th at the site of the Union Pacific Cienega Creek track realignment project in Arizona seems to have nothing to do with the railroad.
Marsh Station Road is actually a remnant of the old, two-lane cross-country U.S. Highway 80 that existed before construction of the Interstate highway system, but is now a county-maintained roadway. Exactly what is taking place is unknown, since there is no construction activity at the east end of the road.
It looks like the latest Google Maps image shows the completed grading.
http://g.co/maps/y74uw
Robert
Given the poor financial situation of the State of Arizona, I have my doubts that any grade separation construction will take place in Maricopa over the next 3-5 years, and that optimistic estimate assumes a national economic recovery in the meantime. As far as potential federal money for such a project is concerned, the state is not on the best of terms right now with Washington for political reasons that are well-known.
My take on this is that ADOT is under considerable pressure to do "something" about the SR 347 crossing. By performing the study, they are taking some off the heat off themselves. If, later on, the money for construction is not forthcoming, they can point the finger elsewhere. If the money does appear, at least they have done some advance planning and can put the project ahead of others in priority.The last I knew, there was talk of routing 347 around town on a bypass in the vicinity of White and Parker Rd. to the east of the present crossing near the grain elevator and ethanol plant. I have seen nothing recently regarding that option but will check around to see what I can learn.
John Timm
desertdog Given the poor financial situation of the State of Arizona, I have my doubts that any grade separation construction will take place in Maricopa over the next 3-5 years, The last I knew, there was talk of routing 347 around town on a bypass in the vicinity of White and Parker Rd. to the east of the present crossing near the grain elevator and ethanol plant. I have seen nothing recently regarding that option but will check around to see what I can learn. John Timm So if there is a bypass UP will fight tooth and nail to require an overpass on the bypass. All RRs now have a "no more grade crossings" policy. Sometimes RRs will allow a new grade crossing if 2 or more other crossings are closed in the vicinity of a new crossing
Given the poor financial situation of the State of Arizona, I have my doubts that any grade separation construction will take place in Maricopa over the next 3-5 years,
The last I knew, there was talk of routing 347 around town on a bypass in the vicinity of White and Parker Rd. to the east of the present crossing near the grain elevator and ethanol plant. I have seen nothing recently regarding that option but will check around to see what I can learn.
So if there is a bypass UP will fight tooth and nail to require an overpass on the bypass. All RRs now have a "no more grade crossings" policy.
Sometimes RRs will allow a new grade crossing if 2 or more other crossings are closed in the vicinity of a new crossing
blue streak 1 desertdog: Given the poor financial situation of the State of Arizona, I have my doubts that any grade separation construction will take place in Maricopa over the next 3-5 years, The last I knew, there was talk of routing 347 around town on a bypass in the vicinity of White and Parker Rd. to the east of the present crossing near the grain elevator and ethanol plant. I have seen nothing recently regarding that option but will check around to see what I can learn. John Timm So if there is a bypass UP will fight tooth and nail to require an overpass on the bypass. All RRs now have a "no more grade crossings" policy. Sometimes RRs will allow a new grade crossing if 2 or more other crossings are closed in the vicinity of a new crossing
desertdog: Given the poor financial situation of the State of Arizona, I have my doubts that any grade separation construction will take place in Maricopa over the next 3-5 years, The last I knew, there was talk of routing 347 around town on a bypass in the vicinity of White and Parker Rd. to the east of the present crossing near the grain elevator and ethanol plant. I have seen nothing recently regarding that option but will check around to see what I can learn. John Timm So if there is a bypass UP will fight tooth and nail to require an overpass on the bypass. All RRs now have a "no more grade crossings" policy. Sometimes RRs will allow a new grade crossing if 2 or more other crossings are closed in the vicinity of a new crossing
Blue Streak 1,I think you are 100% correct. Given the speed and frequency of trains on the Gila Sub and the likelihood that there will be even more trains in the future, the UP will definitely want an overpass (or underpass), as well as some grade crossing closures.
Something I failed to mention before, the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway that parallels the UP between the two cities is slated for rebuilding in the next five years. When that happens, it will be built farther away from the tracks, making it easier to construct a railroad overpass / underpass and an intersection with a relocated SR 347.
California Two-Tracking!
Two-tracking HAS resumed in California. K.P. was down in Riverside and Imperial Counties yesterday, and photo documented the scene. And there is a very, very big surprise with small bridges!
K.P.'s findings will be presented to the forum in a few days. (It takes time to put a coherent presentation together!) Also, a few other Sunset Route tidbits will be brought up.
Some Replies ...
cacole (8-8):
Your informative info on the Cienega Creek area and the Marsh Station Rd. temporary closure was excellent and timely.
rdamon (8-8):
It is amazing that the CORRECTED grading on the Marsh Station Rd. area rail line relocation that cacole first informed us of has already been captured by the Google satellite!
desertdog (9-8):
You presented an excellent and educative synopsis on the UP / Highway 347 grade crossing situation in Maricopa, AZ.
I've never quire understood any logic in relocating the Amtrak station. In reviewing aerials, I somehow have concluded widening Highway 347 north of the tracks ...
Photo dated July 12, 2011
... should be no problem (though the photo right business would have to go), but will follow a different alignment southwardly south of the tracks. That WOULD necessitate relocating the California Zephyr car "Silver Horizon" that is on display, and make relocating the depot of necessity.
Silver Horizon back on September 4, 2009 before two-tracking was extended eastward (rightward) across Highway 347
Should be interesting to see what finally happens.
As far as a super big relocation of Highway 347 towards the east side of town, on an alignment with White and Parker Rd., I don't think that will ever happen, and the idea probably died a number of years ago. Those that have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in lining Highway 347 with newer, profitable business tapping vehicle traffic won't likely stand for their profits and return on invest being taken away! Though one has to wonder why savvy Wal-Mart ...
Photo shot September 4, 2009 before second main signal was activated
... would build a store between Highway 347 and White and Parker Rd.!
Also, in your reply to Blue Streak 1 (9-8), you mentioned a future rebuilding of the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway further north. How far north do you envision?
Take care,
K.P.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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.
That's great news, K.P., about the two-tracking in California!
As to the ultimate plans for the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway, I refer you to a current news article in the Maricopa Monitor that envisions transportation in the year 2040:
http://www.trivalleycentral.com/articles/2011/09/10/maricopa_monitor/top_stories/doc4e611c4b93633663727980.txt
Note that there is no specific mention of SR 347. However, the road coming from the north / northwest in the artist's rendering looks very much like a bypass.
How soon the Maricopa-Casa Grande Highway will be completed is an unknown, but given the current heavy volume of traffic, it will have to be much sooner than 2040. In fact, the City of Maricopa is already improving the road out to the east city limits, i.e., the Wal-Mart area.
Exercising my post 9/11 constitutional rights, I visited the PHIMF construction area in Industry to find and photograph ....... almost no progress!
The new siding is supposed to extend east across Workman Mill Road
Some rail has been positioned on the south side and heavy equipment appears to be removing an old industry spur on the north side. However, No grading has started to the east toward and under SR-60. Hmmm.
The siding will also extend west over Peck Road where the RR bridge must be widened.
Absolutely nothing new. More Hmmm.
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! ***
Update as of Friday, September 9, 2011:
Part I (of I-VIII)
The Most Glaring Evidence
This report to the forum stems from an auto trip into Riverside and Imperial Counties of Southern California on the above date.
In the Salton Sea area, just railroad east of the Ferrum siding (east switch is at M.P. 640.6) there is a most prominent metal bridge with high 45-degree embankments on the approaches to it.
Photo taken August 5, 2008
That bridge is now having a second-track paralleling structure built to its railroad north.
A closer view:
The old and new support structures are NOT directly across from each other, but offset, allowing them to mesh well.
Continued in Part II
Part II (of I-VIII)
There is a construction staging area to the bridge's southwest.
The bridge is right by the paralleling, 65 M.P.H., two-lane Highway 111.
Continued in Part III
Part III (of I-VIII)
The Ferrum Siding Area
For the most part, the rest of this posting series will be presented on a west to east basis.
This is the west end of the Ferrum siding, i.e., WEST of the big bridge discussed in Parts I and II.
The west end is CP SP639 FERRUM.
Towards the end of this "California Two-Tracking" post series, mention will be made of this location and the length of this particular two-tracking project.
The Ferrum siding is a south side siding. Note that the west side eastbound signal (left on both above photos) has three searchlight heads. This is where the Kaiser ore trains over a quarter of a century ago left the old SP, straddled the north side of the mainline, and eventually headed northward to Eagle Mountain. There was also a small yard-like arrangement on the north side of the Ferrum siding.
The Branching-Off Track
The track(s) NORTH of the UP mainline is being dismantled, with ties stacked.
The east switch of the Ferrum siding.
At this point in time it is unknown if the south side siding will be Main 2 with alignment shifts to go over the big bridge just to the east, or if the current single-track mainline will be Main 2 with a new Main 1 laid on the old north side siding alignment.
Continued in Part IV
Part IV (of I-VIII)
New Methodology for Drainage
In a strange alteration of past practices, present newer single-track drainage bridges apparently will no longer have a similar concrete structure built alongside it, but rather a corrugated type pipe covered with graded dirt for the additional main. The second main will be on the below photo's far side. M.P. is 642.06.
At M.P. 643.56, four pipes have been positioned.
The above wood bridging has a date plate of 1947 under the M.P. marking.
A higher bridge also has four pipes.
Continued in Part V
Part V (of I-VIII)
The Hot Springs Rd. Grade Crossing
At Hot Springs Rd. (unknown milepost), where the camera is at (and looking westbound), some grading to the west has been done, but it looks like preliminary grading only for moving equipment.
Blue marker flags and markings were by Hot Springs Rd.
The grade crossing looking south towards Salton Sea: Blue flags are barely visible on the photo's lower right quadrant. :
Continued in Part VI
Part VI (of I-VIII)
Views looking east from Hot Springs Rd. with piles of dirt dropped (or else possibly dug up).
A straight-on eastward telephoto: Note the orange screening on the lower left.
Hot Springs Rd. is one of the few locations where views of the north side (left) prep and track laying can be had.
This whole stretch for miles and miles is fast, 70 M.P.H. territory.
Continued in Part VII
Part VII (of I-VIII)
The Erected Signal Masts by CP SP656 ROGOZA
As stated previously, this presentation is basically on a west to east basis. However, when traveling west to return to civilization, the border patrol stop was gone through. Waiting in a line of cars allowed the new signal masts there to be photographed. (View looks north, with Los Angeles to the left.)
Riprap
East of the Border stop and CP SP656 ROGOZA, allot of riprap (big rocks) have been placed, probably staged for placement elsewhere as needed.
There were numerous piles along this stretch.
A strange look in a wide open desert scape!
Continued in Part VIII
Part VIII (of I-VIII)
The Situation
A friendly chap (a worker) answered many questions of this forumist's inquiring mind. This project starts on the WEST at about M.P. 638, about a mile west of CP SP639 FERRUM. The west switch of the Ferrum siding is technically at M.P. 638.9. The EASTERN end of the two-tracking project is supposed to be about four miles east of the Rogoza siding, probably three miles east of all the shown riprap in this post series.
The worker also said another twenty miles is up for bid. So, a signed contract should be forthcoming soon. If the new contract is for twenty additional miles immediately to the east, that would be EAST of the Iris siding, the east switch of which, CP SP676 IRIS, is at M.P. 676.8.
Other sources have mentioned the Iris siding. So, unless we find out otherwise, the two-tracking that starts west of Ferrum will probably ultimately end east of Iris.
Interestingly, CP SP676 IRIS is where the 'drunken' signals are located.
It was previously suggested in this thread that the Iris 'drunken' signal might be allowed to remain operative as is because two-tracking there was imminent. That may indeed be the case, but we will have to wait and see what actually develops.
Likely, east from the second-track big bridge under construction (just east of Ferrum), the north side will be graded and the grading will progress eastward to the north side siding (left) east of CP SP667 NILAND, and probably beyond.
Interestingly, the siding at Iris (in the M.P. 675 area) is a north side one. So, the new track to be laid may be all on the north side, and eventually ("eventually') match up with the end of two-track section from the east, at Cactus, in the M.P. 715 area.
----------
"Some Odds and Ends about K.P.'s Trip to Iris, CA" will follow in a few days, dealing with some odds and ends that were encountered traveling to and from the Iris area that may broaden and build on the forum's awareness's of related matters.
Quick note - Google Maps has been updated in the Glamis, CA area and now shows the Mesquite Regional landfill rail connection (see Yuma sub map).
MikeF90 Quick note - Google Maps has been updated in the Glamis, CA area and now shows the Mesquite Regional landfill rail connection (see Yuma sub map).
MikeF90,
Your post prompted me to go to Google Maps to see if they have updated the satellite images of the area around MP 938 and the wye at Picacho, which they have. It is now much easier to see how the west leg of the wye will tie into Main #1.
Note also that the satellite caught a westbound manifest MTUPX headed up the east leg. It is a typical Phoenix-bound consist with a big cut of auto racks, petroleum products, box cars (most likely Mexican beer) and covered hoppers. Phoenix manufactures very little, but consumes a lot of, well, consumables.
Some Odds and Ends about K.P.'s Trip to Iris, CA
Part "A" (of A-C)
Beaumont Hill
On the eastern slope of Beaumont Hill, through the windy San Gorgonio Pass, windmills abound. The below windmills are different from the norm, as they have skeleton-like supports ...
... in contrast to the easily seen type.
As two-tracking increases capacity, will the Sunset Route eventually be electrified? If so, would suchlike windmills supply some of the needed juice?
Also, in the above two photos, the signals shown were put in less than a decade ago and have short masts. Will they eventually be converted to the new standard height masts?
Milepost marker 579: Since two-tracking on the eastern slope of Beaumont Hill, trains have been right-side biased. Because of one track going over the other at Cienega Creek in Arizona, will this area eventually be left running biased when two-tracking El Paso to Los Angeles is finished?
Continued in Part B
Part "B" (of A-C)
Ted Kipf Rd.
Between just east of Niland and Glamis is a dirt road called Ted Kipf Rd. that, except for the first part, generally follows the tracks. In a visit several months ago, that road was checked in behalf of the forum starting from the west end to see how good or bad it was. The road soon was deemed impassable. At the time, K.P. just wanted to get out of there. Later, in reporting the situation to the forum, K.P. regretted not having documented how bad that road actually was.
On this trip, a special effort was made to return to the bad road to get photos. Unlike previously, K.P. went in only a sufficient distance to get some photos, not even trying to photograph some really bad parts.
On the below photo's lower left, K.P.'s car started to bog down, so it was put in reverse and eased back.
This 'no man's land' is no place to get one's car stuck. No other vehicles came by in the hour I was photographing the above and the Iris siding area.
When first coming into this area this time, a parked, off the road Border Patrol vehicle was passed. I guess he was waiting and watching for illegals from Mexico. Apparently, I took too long to return, and he went looking for me ... and found and questioned me. The officer quickly figured that what I was doing was not what he was looking for. We had a friendly conversation, laughed, and otherwise had a good time. I guess he enjoyed talked to someone non-threatening where there is generally no one to talk to!
The forum may remember the following sign present all the way east on the other end of Ted Kipf Rd., in Glamis:
The California Highway Patrol a few years ago had told K.P. that Ted Kipf Rd. was in excellent shape, except for a football field's length or two where the road was kind of mushy. Obviously, things have radically changed, as a whole lot of road on the west end is very, very mushy now. With Uncle Sam charging people now for access to the east end, there is little incentive for the County to maintain Ted Kipf Rd. as a through road.
Unfortunately, railfans have really gotten the short end of the stick, as documenting the two-tracking of the Sunset Route between east of Niland over to Glamis will be very, very difficult now.
It is hoped this information and account helps the forum form a better picture of this little known about area.
Continued in Part C
Part "C" (of A-C)
San Timoteo Canyon
Those that have been through San Timoteo Canyon of late (on the western slope of Beaumont Hill), the following will be no surprise. It has probably been a year since K.P. went through San Timoteo Canyon ... and what a surprise was there when he did! As reported previously, San Timoteo Canyon Rd. near the City of Beaumont is NOT a two-lane road anymore. What was so striking to K.P. now, though, was a new roadway that bridges over the Sunset Route! It seemingly came to Beaumont Hill out of nowhere!
The two-track line is barely visible (because of brush growth) in the above photo, about halfway up on the right, just a little left of the sign and pole that is on the right.
The bridge gives a really good view of the tracks and the canyon. But, the damper is that there are "No Parking" or "No Stopping" signs everywhere! And, I mean everywhere! But, you might get around that if you bring a bicycle and park the car miles away. The roads have numerous bike lane signs!
A Mystery at CP SP538 RANCHO
Recently, it was reported there was some kind of trenching at CP SP538 RANCHO in Colton.
When K.P. went through there on the way back from Salton Sea and Iris, it was found that all the digging and trench-work had been filled in.
The digging may or may not have been for two blue strobe lights present at the CP. They were present in previously taken photos in K.P. photo files, so it is unknown what the digging was all about. It could have been that the blue lights needed to be electrically hooked up, but there is insufficient photo documentation available to say that was the situation for sure.
Update as of Wednesday, September 14, 2011:
The 'Semi-Mud Filled' Milliken Ave. Flyover
Ontario, CA
Part I (of I-IV)
On the south side west of Milliken Ave., a semi-mud mixture was being put down, in the concrete framing and outside it.
Part II (of I-IV)
It started with dirt being dumped into a collecting device, and then ramped up ...
... to another convey belted ramp to go still higher ...
... and finally dropped into a good sized downward hose to spray the semi-mud correctly (upper left, as in Part I).
Part III (of I-IV)
Part I and II showed events happening on the WEST side of Milliken Ave. Here, the EAST side is shown, and the same process was taking place, though farther back from the roadway.
Part IV (of I-IV)
Back with a westward view again, the large, flat, bright lime-green parts used in the lower right area where metal iron rod work was previously being erected.
The cozy sidewalk framing makes photographers feel safe ...
... if there is such a thing around any construction site ...
... especially with the many Sunset Route trains zooming by! K.P. has to hand it to the often trapped construction workers. They must have nerves of steel!
--------------
A "Second Section" follows ...
A "Second Section" to "Update as of Wednesday, September 14, 2011."
Some Replies
MikeF90 (9-11/13):
Reference the Puente Hills Intermodal Facility (PHIMF) in the far western part of the City of Industry area ... It was good to see SOMETHING happening now trackside, if only to remove an old spur. Is this, Mike, the spur being removed that you spoke of?
The view above is at Workman Mill Rd., and shot back on December 23, 2010.
What an incredible view the Google Map now gives of the new connection between the Mesquite Regional Landfill and the Sunset Route at Glamis, CA! Thanks for alerting us to that updated view.
In looking at the aerial (linked below), the north side connecting junction-in track straddles the present single-track Main eastward a bit before curving north to the landfill.
The Google Maps Link
(Drag the view leftward and/or adjust the size to see the branching off track and the present Glamis siding.)
That means the second UP Main, when laid, will be SOUTH of the present track!
That obviously means that there will be some kind of alignment shift to the east, and another to the west. Previously, I thought the new second track would be laid entirely on the north side between Ferrum and Cactus, but your post proves it will be otherwise.
desertdog (8-13):
I guess MikeF90's post inspired you to aerial the west switch area of the Picacho siding in Arizona! It is amazing that the un-ballasted, north side second-track is already shown on that aerial.
Temporary end of second-track laying at Picacho, AZ
From the aerial, it does in fact look like there will be an alignment shift between Highway 84/87 and where the Phoenix line cuts off
In both links, in response to MikeF90's and your post, desertdog, it is refreshing to see a mapping outfit update the views so quickly.
Update as of Friday, September 16, 2011:
Part A (of A-G)
Happenings and a Revelation
The Milliken Ave. Flyover
In the last update report, the following photo was posted, of a mildly wet dirt mixture being poured, not only inside the concrete forms, but outside them as well!
On last Friday's visit, that madness become much more logical as the construction workers had built a ramp so the mixture could be transported upward and poured westward. A westward view from the south side:
Another westward view, this time from the north side:
Part B (of A-G)
Happenings and a Revelation (Continued)
South of the present single-track Main, in the center of Milliken Ave., were two wire mesh forms that will be used as the middle supports of the bridge sections.
Part C (of A-G)
A wire mesh support was actually erected on K.P.'s visit ...
... and then craned over to its intended location.
Once in position, workers converged on the future support.
Continued in Part D
Part D (of A-G)
One worker climbed all over the structure, in and out of it, performing technical functions of some sort.
In the last photo above, make a mental note of the width of the collective iron rodding on the background right.
The gentleman even got to the top.
Continued in Part E
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