Partial Answers … Some Dazzling Too!
Was in San Bernardino a few (“few”) times yesterday, Saturday, March 12, 2016, and took a stash of photos, many of which will answer some of the questions raised by recent questioners.
The below photo is a never posted before October 7, 2009 photo looking west under the Mt, Vernon Ave. viaduct bridge. The tracks are at a WEST servicing facility.
Above, by the locomotive nose and rightward is a background fence. That fence is south of the “short way” track, now BNSF’s Main 4, which reported Metrolink dispatches. That track that the Metrolink is on in the above photo is no longer there, nor the servicing facility. The upcoming series will show that. Matter of fact, the east servicing facility is not used anymore either.
The new trackage (some not laid yet) just north of and also EAST of the San Bernardino Depot is for two-tracks! For old timers familiar with the “Redlands Loop” what is taking place is stunning, almost unbelievable, but the upcoming post photos don’t lie.
While K.P. did NOT have time for photos at the Tippecanoe Ave. grade crossing in southeastern San Bernardino, it can be said that that grade crossing is now history! And, the tracks are all gone too! In a super timely fashion forum contributor NorthWest hours before this post posted that that San Bernardino-Redlands section was in the final design stages, so that line is NOT abandoned, just presently trackless. We should see something new in the relatively not too distant future.
Anyway, a post series is planned on happenings in the downtown San Bernardino area, and should be ready for posting by next weekend, but hopefully much, much earlier.
Take care all,
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.
K. P. Harrier A visit to the old Santa Fe Railway downtown San Bernardino depot area was made on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 with the hopes of seeing a BNSF unit being used on a Metrolink commuter train. No Metrolink trains were even at their stop area. However, a structure was being erected, likely an overhead walkway.
A visit to the old Santa Fe Railway downtown San Bernardino depot area was made on Wednesday, March 2, 2016 with the hopes of seeing a BNSF unit being used on a Metrolink commuter train. No Metrolink trains were even at their stop area. However, a structure was being erected, likely an overhead walkway.
That reminds me of the walkway at the Irvine station, so your guess is probably correct.
- Erik
More information on the planned DMU project:
http://www.highlandnews.net/news/public_safety/redlands-passenger-rail-project-gains-momentum/article_d704eb60-e7b3-11e5-992f-172f94293267.html?mode=story
http://www.redlandsrailproject.org/
Electroliner 1935Looks like it may be for Amtrak's use when the near track is occupied by a freight.
Just noticed something strange, the top (north) most passenger track does not connect to BNSF main 3 at the east end! Most likely a westbound SW Chief has to back through that RH crossover onto the north most track and then pull forward to the platform - very wierd! Alternatively, they could use the LH crossover to CP Vernon and back up as well.
Exiting the platform they go through CP Vernon and head onto the Metrolink dispatched 'Short Way' sub toward Riverside. Eastbounds must have to do the reverse.
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! ***
Looks like it may be for Amtrak ' s use when the near track is occupied by a freight.
Looks like K.P. is on vacation so I'll take a shot.
AFAIK Metrolink does not use the depot building itself, except perhaps for rest rooms. There are ticket machines near / on the platforms.
Amtrak Southwest Chief passengers may check luggage inside but I can't say for sure (haven't ridden in forever).
M636C Paul_D_North_Jr Are there through tracks between the larger frame and the two smaller ones ? According to Google Maps, one through track and one terminating track.... M636C
Paul_D_North_Jr Are there through tracks between the larger frame and the two smaller ones ?
Are there through tracks between the larger frame and the two smaller ones ?
According to Google Maps, one through track and one terminating track....
M636C
When I look at Google maps, I see four tracks terminating on the West side of the Amtrak depot and two through tracks with a platform between them and a universal crossover east of the depot. The new bridge would allow access to the North thru track without having to cross over the South thru track. The choke point is the single track under the Mt. Vernon Ave bridge.
K.P. Does Metrolink use it's station at 1704 3rd and not the old Santa Fe station? It looks like the passengers have walkways across five tracks to get to the North track.
Per a SANBAG alert 3rd Street was permanently closed East of the depot about February 4. The ROW does not appear wide enough for a second track, so I'm not clear on where any new trackage will go. Look forward to those photos!
This questionable project will run (for now) to the downtown San Bernardino 'transit center' for connecting with OmniTrans bus routes. Nearby is a minor league baseball stadium, a county courthouse and a dead shopping mall.
Paul D. North Jr. (3-7):
Yes, there will be through tracks between those tower frames. By “through tracks” Metrolink tracks (closest to the depot) are meant and NOT the BNSF mainline Tracks 1-3.
Presently, by the old depot (right, first photo, original post) there is much construction taking place, and it is extremely difficult to get near the tracks at either the west side or east side of the depot. But, from a cursory glimpse, a straight through track to the Redlands Loop (which the new terminal is on about a mile to the east) apparently is active, but the second track sort of east of the depot hasn’t been laid yet. It is hoped some photos near the tracks can be had next time San Bernardino is visited.
Best,
Metrolink – New Happenings in San Bernardino, CA Area
This thread is intended for updates and happenings about the San Bernardino, CA area (“area”).
On departure from the facility, a Metrolink from Los Angeles was seen arriving. Time to get the camera out again …
This was the first BNSF unit actually seen on a Metrolink train for this forum contributor. It is not known if this was a rare find, or if it is the norm now, or in between. BNSF 5641 will lead cabcar 639 westbound to Los Angeles.
The area warrants more investigation, as the old area west of the Mt. Vernon Ave. viaduct had construction thereat, and road closed signage insinuated the 3rd Street access EAST of the depot will be permanently closed, if it was interpreted correctly or even if the signs were correct! And, of course, the new future stop to the east by “E” Street is taking shape. The relatively new overnight facility EAST of the depot is gone now too, with trains overnighting at the new Colton maintenance facility instead. So, a lot of things are happening at and nearby, and is the inspiration for this new updates thread.
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