Update as of Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Part "H" (of A-L)
The Colton Flyover
Colton, CA
Another south side ground level view:
The northwest quadrant's transition track area also has a tent now. And, technically, summer is not here yet!
The northwest quadrant's construction as seen from the southeast quadrant, by the Colton Signal Dept. yard:
Above, the BNSF Transcon is the lower track, with the circuitous route to Los Angeles to the left.
Continued in Part I
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 "I" (of A-L)
From 3rd Street, a very slow eastbound became visible. One could not help but notice it, for it was constantly slowing its horn, as with a toot-toot, toot-toot, toot-toot, toot-toot pattern. Likely that was the case become of a Form B in effect.
It crossed over from Main 2 to Main 1, and goes by the piers being constructed ...
... and took the very slow northwest quadrant's transition track, and the DPU's finally rounded the curve too, giving the piers a little size perspective..
Continued in Part J
Part "J" (of A-L)
Back by the Colton Signal Dept. again, a northward view from the southeast quadrant's transition track area (bottom).
Much stuff is stored by the Colton Crossing.
Short, strange, frail looking, in the ground (?) rebar items are present (lower right).
It is unknown if more has arrived, but those dark green, some yellow hand railed boxes make for an impressive presence.
Continued in Part K
Part "K" (of A-L)
The rebar and concrete construction on each side of the La Cadena Dr. underpass is coming along.
The light tan building that used to have the old SP Colton Dept. across from it seemed full with flyover project related material in it.
Continued in Part L
Part "L" (of A-L)
On the flyover's east side, east of 9th Street, another tent is present, and plenty of construction workers' cars.
There is no shortage of activity on the east side either.
The now famous Colton Flyover graders were parked and turned off, though.
This will conclude this Colton Flyover news series.
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In a few days (Monday the latest), a much shorter presentation about the Milliken Ave. Flyover will be posted. Therein, the LOCATION of a relocated automatic absolute 'entrance signal' on the west side may surprise many! (K.P. still can't believe it!)
And, finally, at West Colton Yard, would you believe the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) made a special lookout spot just for railfans (kind of, anyway)? Because of the new lookout spot, K.P. actually got a few photos of a new signal that has very much eluded camera toting railfans for months and months! When you see the lookout spot, you will marvel ... and maybe shake your head in disbelief!
Part I (of I-IV)
The Milliken Ave. Flyover
Ontario, CA
Just before the flyover begins on the east side, the new ascending track has been well ballasted.
Some track equipment is nearby, close to where the rising ballast begins.
A telephoto of the track equipment:
By the east side still, looking west: The uncovered piping that has been onsite for some time now has had tarps put over it
After this present Main 2 flyover is finally finished and trains operating over it, perhaps the piping that has been at the site for a while now will be buried, possibly some type of necessary relocation project. The piping seems to have a concrete look to it, which would be structurally very inappropriate for high pressure petroleum lines that tend to follow SP lines.
Continued in Part II
Part II (of I-IV)
The decorative structuring on the south side just west of Milliken Ave. has much formwork and rebar in place ... and bracing.
The decorative structuring on the south center support (between northbound and southbound vehicular traffic on Milliken Ave.) hasn't even been started yet. The two east side decorative supports still have the tarp covering material on them.
Continued in Part III
Part III (of I-IV)
A westward telephoto from Milliken Ave. of maybe some type of switching move ... but nothing really moved while K.P. was on site, though exhaust seems to be rising from the locomotive in this shot. In other stills taken the smoke was not present.
It was unclear if the western approach has been graded yet or not.
Continued in Part IV
Part IV (of I-IV)
Approaching the lowering western end of the flyover, there was a totally unexpected, very strange sight: A not in service yet future east facing westbound automatic absolute "entrance signal" that had been actually erected ON THE FLYOVER!
Obviously, the north-south industrial track that crosses Airport Drive (a block south of the flyover) and used to curve west (left) and connected to the original ground level single-track main ...
... will now have to rise up steeply to get right alongside the flyover's descending track. The elevated safety railing that ends nearby seems to support the westward steeply rising industrial track concept.
The Milliken Ave. Flyover is proving to be an effort full of surprises for observers.
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Coming Monday, June 18, 2012 by 9:00 A.M. PDT: A previously hidden thing to the public at West Colton Yard will be shown, plus a photo of WHY the previously hidden thing can unbelievably now be seen! Saturday, June 16, 2012, K.P. was able to sneak out while one of the dispatchers was kind of conked out in the very early hours -- nothing was brewing anyway -- and got some photos of the now in service new rerouted Main 1 / Bypass west of Rancho Ave. in Colton, CA. The photos will be included in Monday's brief presentation.
Update as of Saturday, June 16, 2012
Part "A" (of A-C)
The Colton Flyover Area
A westward view from Rancho Ave.: The new Main 1 / Bypass (left) IS in service. Matter of fact, just before K.P. got to the top of the Rancho Ave. overpass an eastbound BNSF light engine movement passed on it! The old alignment was right of the same CP box. On the far lower left is Main 2.
The new East Leg of the Wye (upper left) and the old alignment (upper far left)
A telephoto of the new, now nicely ballasted Main 1 curving alignment passing behind a large traction belted machine.
An eastward view from Rancho Ave.
There were a couple of heavy graders parked by 3rd Street.
Continued in Part B
Part "B" (of A-C)
A Previously Hidden Signal
West Colton Yard
West of Riverside Ave.
Rialto, CA
With the start of construction last year of the Riverside Ave. overpass over the I-10 Freeway, westward views from the heavily used artery were blocked. The south side concrete walling right next to the off ramp's vehicle traffic precluded any hope of ever seeing the new pot signal, let alone photographing it! But, out of the blue, things suddenly changed!
But, what changed?
A couple vehicles length parking area was put in!
It is unknown what type of signage is yet to be put up here, but pedestrians cannot access the location. We will have to wait and see what develops. This may be a temporary miracle of sorts for railbuffs.
In the next post that follows, a couple of previous shown photos will be presented to help any at the forum that might not be familiar with the control point here, CP AL935 RIVERSIDE AVE.
Continued in Part C
Part "C" (of A-C)
Looking east from Riverside Ave. on January 13, 2012: This is a split CP, with both intermediates (left) and absolutes (right).
Looking west: A June 29, 2008 photo before the west eastbound signal had been activated.
It would be great if someone at the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) did this parking area thing to be nice to railfans, but somehow K.P. doesn't think that was the case ...
A like type dwarf unit is in Casa Grande, AZ at CP SP917/SP918 CASA GRANDE.
That Arizona unit has two heads, but the Rialto, CA installation has only ONE head. But, yet, the Rialto Main 2 signal on the cantilever structure has TWO heads! (See first photo above.) Most likely the dwarf signal is basically used for setout moves involving only ONE block, so the powers that be (like signal circuit designers) didn't want to add all the expensive possibilities circuits since they probably will hardly ever be used, if at all. Hence, only one head compared to the Main 2 signal with two heads!
Update as of Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Two Flyovers
Part I (of I-VII)
The northwest transition track off the BNSF: There is much stockpile of supplies in the diamonds area north of the Sunset Route.
Two additional hopefully clarifying views of those short concrete-rebar items that are, in the just below photo, between the foreground and background pillars, some with concrete, others with just rebar; while the other (bottom) a side view.
Depending on the angle of sight, the area can be misleading as to what is actually there and where it is at.
Part II (of I-VII)
There were a few floodlights stationed trackside.
K.P. had thought the Colton Flyover was basically a daytime project, but apparently some night work arises occasionally (or will).
Part III (of I-VII)
K.P. was able to eyewitness the belted crane slowly moving locations (left to right) ...
... and the sky-high part obviously moving with it.
Part IV (of I-VII)
A view blocking prolonged back and forth switching operation involving the old Colton Yard took place, but once it finally cleared, much rebar work could be seen that had taken place at the flyover's future bridging east of Colton Crossing, by the La Cadena Drive underpass.
Continued in Part V
Part V (of I-VII)
This is the present east facing westbound signal for the east switch of the Guasti siding, at CP AL525 GUASTI. It was very difficult access-wise to photograph.
Even more difficult to photograph (hence, no photo is available) was the WEST end of the Milliken Ave. Flyover. In a cursory estimation, however, the west end of the flyover was about 300 feet from the east end interlocking of the Guasti siding (above photo), too short of a distance for an alignment shift in the track, at least for the speed authorized through here.
On this past Monday, June 18, 2012 was posted the following Saturday, June 16, 2012 Colton photo of the relocated trackwork by CP SP537 EAST WYE BYPASS. It was suggested the CP box and signals were the same ones of the old track alignment..
K.P. is inclined to believe the Guasti trackwork will be likewise relocated, so the present siding aligns with the Main 2 Flyover, and the present Main between switches will become the siding. That is only conjectural. The new CP AL525 GUASTI box at the Colton Signal Department ...
... is still there, and will probably ("probably") remain there until the Main 1 Flyover over Milliken is built and operational. Then, the second-track between Sierra (CP AL533 SIERRA) and Pomona (CP AL515 RESERVOIR) could be laid, and a universal crossover at Guasti (the photo of the CP box above) could finish things off.
Continued in Part VI
Part VI (of I-VII)
On the Milliken Ave. Flyover itself, on that WEST end, there was track equipment present, by the new, short mast, automatic absolute two-bulb "entrance signal."
A heavy south side telephoto looking west from Milliken Ave.: The grading for the south side industrial track seems in place
From the above view, the south side dirt MAY be higher than the north side's. K.P. is on questionable ground here, as things don't quite make sense, but the visuals can't be denied.
Continued in Part VII
Part VII (of I-VII)
On the east side now, an infamous water truck passes heading west.
A Signal Dept. trailer (or at least for maintenance-of-way anyway) was found to be onsite.
Non-rail equipment was onsite too.
As K.P. approached the Milliken Ave. Flyover from the EAST, he transitioned from the westbound I-10 to the southbound I-15, and went over the Sunset Route. Only a momentary glimpse was seen, but the flyover's new track connects to the present north alignment Main via a maintenance-of-way switch.
There is more room in this EAST area (than the WEST side) to lay an angled transition track between the present Main (future Main 1) and the Main 2 Flyover alignment.
------------
K.P. does not anticipate any dispatches to near the Sunset Route in the next week or two, so things may be slow post-wise for a bit.
I visited the PHIMF area in Industry, CA and little visible progress was seen since the last visit.
To the west of the Workman Mill Road crossing the retaining wall is substantially complete, possibly close to putting down subballast for the new siding. East of the crossing, new steel piles have been driven which are the truly heavy duty and standard way here to support a retaining wall. Surprisingly, the new grade crossing box placed here still has not been accompanied by wider respacing of the protection arms.
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! ***
Had some time to kill and found this track schematic for Santa Theresa facility:
http://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/attachments/media_kit/regional/western/santa_teresa/schematic.pdf
I think it can be posted but am unsure how.
Rgds IGN
Two-Tracking Down By Salton Sea
On Saturday, June 23, 2012 an unexpected opportunity arose that brought K.P. down to the Salton Sea area (of lower, eastern Southern California), an area way below sea level.
It was found that the Sunset Route second-track had just begun to be laid in that area.
A west to east report has been prepared for the forum.
A teaser: Would you believe a Salton Sea area non-UP business with UP raised high floodlights on it? Believe it!
The Post Schedule:
All multi-post presentations will be before 9:00 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time (but probably much earlier) on the following date schedule:
Part A: Indio to the Ferrum Area: Wednesday, June 27, 2012.
Part B: East of Ferrum to the Rogoza Area: Friday, June 29, 2012.
Part C: East of Rogoza to the Niland Area: Sunday, July 1, 2012.
Update as of Saturday, March 23, 2012
Two-Tracking Down By Salton Sea, CA
Part A (of A-C), Section 1 (of 1-9)
We start at the Jackson Street overpass in Indio. When first arriving, the classic burn presented itself. A train passed while K.P. was getting out of his car. When up on the overpass, K.P. realized his effort wasn't going to be successful when a track inspection vehicle soon came by.
Eastward, it is about four miles till CP SP615 COACHELLA is reached (photo previously shown).
Thus, there is the one intermediate set at Jackson St. (top photo) and the next intermediate set before CP SP615 COACHELLA, both of which have lower heads. According to the official timetable that K.P. was privileged to inspect, this is 70 M.P.H. territory! While K.P. has not seen it, it is believe the signals in the first photo above would have a yellow over flashing green, with the next intermediate east a yellow over green, while CP SP615 COACHELLA itself is cleared in crossover mode.
In a wider view, note the power on the upper left.
Continued in Section 2
Part A (of A-C), Section 2 (of 1-9)
The forefront power (UP 4422) is with a loaded concrete tie car. A loaded ballast train appears in the far background.
Since K.P.'s last visit, security has been heightened: Chain link fencing has been added.
Continued in Section 3
Part A (of A-C), Section 3 (of 1-9)
We now head over to the west switch area of the Mortmar siding, specifically, CP SP633 MORTMAR.
Across the street is a south side business area that UP seems to be patronizing big time (possibly leasing the parking lot), with much equipment on site, including, can you believe it, erected floodlights!
Continued in Section 4
Part A (of A-C), Section 4 (of 1-9)
More of the south side business area ...
It appears this is an initial gathering of a 'by permission' of the property owner for this UP staging area.
Presumably, this business is open during normal business hours. At least the sign implies that.
Continued in Section 5
Part A (of A-C), Section 5 (of 1-9)
Looking west from the access road for a future CP, a tie replacement program seems to be taking place concurrently.
The makeshift grade crossing:
A wide view looking east:
Continued in Section 6
Part A (of A-C), Section 6 (of 1-9)
An eastbound telephoto: Note the dual-control switch on the lower left, the future beginning of two-tracks eastward; with a parked tie train on it presently. The milepost marker is 637.
Surprisingly, no future signals are any ware in the whole area. However, a lone stand (far left) is present at this future CP location. The present intermediate is on the upper right, and displays yellow over yellow.
Looking westbound: It is unknown if this is old or new switch parts, but K.P. doesn't recall such being here before.
Continued in Section 7
Part A (of A-C), Section 7 (of 1-9)
Out of the new, future CP just discussed, track laying had begun, and only reached perhaps between one and one and a half mile to the east. It was the typical track laying process with an advance machine (right) positioning the rails, followed by ties sliding down a ramp, which ties had been brought to the ramp by a train riding on top of the tie train!.
Continued in Section 8
Part A (of A-C), Section 8 (of 1-9)
The process continues ...
A train passes. Both trains moved eastward (rightward), the last loaded well car of a double-stacker (right) passes the beginning of the track laying train (left).
As the Intermodal train approached, all work on laying the second track stopped. Everybody stood away from the track until it cleared.
Continued in Section 9
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