From what I've been told, there will be no connection or crossover between the mains at what has been Sandpoint Jct. Which makes me wonder if the new crossovers between the depot and the two big bridges will be the new Sandpoint Jct.
Mark, if you can access the engineering plans, that would solve the mystery.
I have a hunch the new crossovers may end up being a frequent meeting point. Boyer siding, just northwest (railroad east) of the Sandpoint depot, is one of several sidings on that part of the Kootenai River Sub and the ex-GN Hi Line with one or more grade crossings laid across it. The first train to arrive there for a meet usually holds back, off the crossings, and then pulls in at the last moment when the other train is getting close. Not the most efficient way to run a railroad, but necessary.
I think the dispatchers (Boyer West and Boyer East) may prefer to handle more of those Boyer meets on the new 2MT, where no crossings are involved.
Also, MRL often ties down westbounds (typically coal trains) at Kootenai, just northeast (railroad east) of the depot, when the crew has expired on hours or there's too much congestion ahead. Whether that continues to be a thing under BNSF remains to be seen. I suspect it will.
If so, we can expect to see moments where a westbound comes off the (former) MRL and stops at the new crossovers, an eastbound pulls across one of the bridges and stops there, and a westbound off the Hi Line comes rolling through.
I'll try to catch the name of that new crossover plant tomorrow or Monday.
Thanks, Bruce. Dan did write that this would be the location on a much earlier post, but just needed verification because when I was in Sandpoint a couple of months ago, it just didn't look like there was that much tangent track for a double set of crossovers between the curve and the bridge.
Dual crossover is here, on this tangent southeast (railroad west) of the depot.
https://goo.gl/maps/yxpz6HCvbz2qDYx7A
Satellite image not updated.
dpeltier Technically, the track has been shifted back to its original alignment, before it was shifted over last fall in order to put the new bridge in service. Now all trains are running through a newly-installed crossover to get to the new bridge. The track hasn't shifted in front of the Amtrak station yet. There is a modular platform set up to serve the current track (future main 2). When the new track gets put in service (future main 1), the modular platform will scoot back to serve that track. Dan
Technically, the track has been shifted back to its original alignment, before it was shifted over last fall in order to put the new bridge in service.
Now all trains are running through a newly-installed crossover to get to the new bridge.
The track hasn't shifted in front of the Amtrak station yet. There is a modular platform set up to serve the current track (future main 2). When the new track gets put in service (future main 1), the modular platform will scoot back to serve that track.
Dan
Just for clarification: At the Sandpoint depot: The new No. 1 main track (next to the depot, when constructed) will be the through track on the Kootenai River subdivision. The new No. 2 main track will be through to/from the MRL. From the former junction point (Sandpoint Jct.) westward, where will first connection between the two main tracks be located?
--Mark Meyer
Next to Sandpoint on the northern transcon, BNSF has announced that bridge maintenance work is complete and that on Aug 6 trackage will be aligned to its final configuration. https://keepsandpointrolling.com/project-updates/
Further west near the Spokane River, ROW work is underway for the second MT.
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! ***
Additional Notes: On BNSF's Line between Rose Hill. Ks. area and Agusta,Ks. over weekend of July 30th,2023;
Predictably, traffic patterns seem to fluctuate during week due to ;Construction Windoiws'. The project at the FourMile Creek, seems to still be ongoing. It is not visible from any public roadway; From the construction road entrance, ;approx 3/4 mile north of the BNSF at grade crossing, on Santa Fe Lake Rd., one is able to see a very large pile of excavated soil, and construction equipment.
Can confirm,the newly graveled subgrade work,seems ready to receive finishing ballast and track(?)..There is a large accumulation of signal related equiupment, stock piled at the work site at the grade crossing at SFL Rd,and ROW.
MikeF90 On the Northern transcon a visitor to Sandpoint, ID has reported elsewhere that the east side Amtrak platform has been closed off and removed; this is permanent as the tracks are and will be closer. The existing MT has been shifted in preparation for adding the second MT.
On the Northern transcon a visitor to Sandpoint, ID has reported elsewhere that the east side Amtrak platform has been closed off and removed; this is permanent as the tracks are and will be closer. The existing MT has been shifted in preparation for adding the second MT.
Southern T-con:Notes; Mike F90}
Was able to take a ride out to the West side of the Augusta, Ks. area. today. The area adjacent to the road crossing at 120th St ; ss abutthe curreewnt point of the passing siding and signal stand for currently,m passingtwo trains outof Augusta.
jGoingnEasdtput of Rose Hill,double tracking ismapparently complete(?). Signals,apparently, ;have not been installed. Last signal stand is, apparently,
is located just to thenrth(orwest(?) of the current, at grade, crossing on ThundernRd Rd. The bridge construction over four mile creek,m is not visible, from any road ways. Inrterstingly, from the area of the grade crossing, on 150th Rd; East of Rose Hill; The contractors have cnstructed, an apoarently,substantial, sub garded pathway(?). Itb isnroughly,the width of a local two lane county road,imedeately, adjacent to the South siide of the double tracked ROW. It has had trainage tubes installed, and appears to have been solidly compacted,and looks, like it has been done so in prepararion for an asphalt surfacing(?) That preparation is now acrossthe Thunder Rd crossuing and advancing towards the location at approximaytely, signal and siding by 120th St. Contractors were all kver that area, and we kmet a GREX self-unloading rock train inthat area. Dignalkcabins are being installed, but appear to be unwired,(?) at this time.
My guess is that ll the current bridgingnat four mile creek is. possiblky a doiublke tracked affair, with another bridge under construction for an apparent third track, over that creek location (?)
Recently, we have noted daily "construction windows" during the week, with both east and westbound trains, train volume has increased mesurably, on week ends. Speed has also increased as the traffic volume increases.....I'd guess, that high-speed turnout that was installed some timeback, at the west end of Main 3 is really payin dividends (?)... Sam @ Mulvane.
Thanks much for your new observations!
samfp1943There has also been some heavy constrction excavation equipment moved into a location that is apporox 1 mi east (nor east(?) of the SF Lake Rd RR grade crossing; a construction access road was cut from SFL RD (approx) 1/2 mi north of RR crossing; it seems to be a mie ( +,_(?) backj to a point,that iooks like a creek ir river bank (?) . Possibly,a new, or bridge rebuilding site(?).
I'll guess that this is access for building a new bridge over Fourmile Creek.
RRs usually build new universal crossovers about 10 miles apart and/or midway between existing ones. The next time you are out on the road, look out for two new signal mast pairs about 600 ft apart and near a grade crossing. Indianola Road looks about the right vicinity but of course that's my speculation.
MikeF90 MikeF90 Per an unexpected post from a KS local on TO, the second MT between Ellinor and Chelsea is now fully operational. This leaves the single track segments west of El Dorado Lake as the remainder of the project. You will see more EB traffic on the 'cutoff' right now / temporarily because of La Junta sub trackwork (Newton).
MikeF90 Per an unexpected post from a KS local on TO, the second MT between Ellinor and Chelsea is now fully operational. This leaves the single track segments west of El Dorado Lake as the remainder of the project.
You will see more EB traffic on the 'cutoff' right now / temporarily because of La Junta sub trackwork (Newton).
There has also been some heavy constrction excavation equipment moved into a location that is apporox 1 mi east (nor east(?) of the SF Lake Rd RR grade crossing; a construction access road was cut from SFL RD (approx) 1/2 mi north of RR crossing; it seems to be a mie ( +,_(?) backj to a point,that iooks like a creek ir river bank (?) . Possibly,a new, or bridge rebuilding site(?).
I have not been able to get to the Augusta area; the former end of the of the passing track(double tracking(?) West of Augusta.nThe parallel country Road in that area is signed as Thunder Rd. The single tracked area, extended from the end of that double siding, approximately. justb East of the location of that 'bridge construction project', previously,described. .
Sorry, for the description; I am unable to drive myself and must rely on notes taken from a different perspective..
MikeF90Per an unexpected post from a KS local on TO, the second MT between Ellinor and Chelsea is now fully operational. This leaves the single track segments west of El Dorado Lake as the remainder of the project.
Another YT video has popped up that confirms the Ellinor - Chelsea 2MT segment as being active. It also shows grading well along between Mulvane - Augusta and ElDorado - Chelsea.
samfp1943 ADD: P.S to (5-29-2023) Memorial Day posting; Since other poster's here havenoted that,apparently,the Fall-Summer Construction Projects,West of the Eldorado Lake Causeway and Rose Hill.Ks. There is also a 'frequency' in the number of "Land Barges":( Longer trains.rimarily, Container's,,stacked and otherwise.) They now seem to , go botth directions, two or three times a week. Their make-up is generally, a block of all 53' ers and then import/export types(?). The mid train dpu'S can be in pairssamfp1943 Post Body Enter your post below. samfp1943 Post Body Enter your post below. samfp1943 Post Body Enter your post below. samfp1943 Post Body Enter your post below. samfp1943 Post Body Enter your post below. , or several , and most always on onrear of train. MikeF90 Have not read anything on the Emporia sub 2MT project lately, but the new Spokane River bridge work is underway: https://www.railwayage.com/mw/bnsf-rebuilds-one-bridge-begins-another-in-the-northwest/?RAchannel=news Refurbishment of the older bridge near Sandpoint is progressing well and may be complete this year to add the second main track. Memorial Day -Mon- 5/29/2023 I have no way to access the line between Mulvne and Augusta, but from where I am (Eldorado Sub,Main 3, abnout mp;126/127; traffic, both east and west seems to move mostly at track speed....( a couple of years ago, BNSF replaced the switch onto Main 3) ,with a switch capable of what, seems to be track speed >40+mph (?) <: at least, we see some of the double stackers not slow down when they make that corner, west, towards Wellington.... I've not noticed,of late, of apparent 'construction traffic' (?) moving either way. But speed and volumn has definitely picked up ...
ADD: P.S to (5-29-2023) Memorial Day posting;
Since other poster's here havenoted that,apparently,the Fall-Summer Construction Projects,West of the Eldorado Lake Causeway and Rose Hill.Ks. There is also a 'frequency' in the number of "Land Barges":( Longer trains.rimarily, Container's,,stacked and otherwise.) They now seem to , go botth directions, two or three times a week. Their make-up is generally, a block of all 53' ers and then import/export types(?). The mid train dpu'S can be in pairs
samfp1943 Post Body Enter your post below.
MikeF90 Have not read anything on the Emporia sub 2MT project lately, but the new Spokane River bridge work is underway: https://www.railwayage.com/mw/bnsf-rebuilds-one-bridge-begins-another-in-the-northwest/?RAchannel=news Refurbishment of the older bridge near Sandpoint is progressing well and may be complete this year to add the second main track.
Have not read anything on the Emporia sub 2MT project lately, but the new Spokane River bridge work is underway: https://www.railwayage.com/mw/bnsf-rebuilds-one-bridge-begins-another-in-the-northwest/?RAchannel=news Refurbishment of the older bridge near Sandpoint is progressing well and may be complete this year to add the second main track.
Memorial Day -Mon- 5/29/2023
I have no way to access the line between Mulvne and Augusta, but from where I am (Eldorado Sub,Main 3, abnout mp;126/127; traffic, both east and west seems to move mostly at track speed....( a couple of years ago, BNSF replaced the switch onto Main 3) ,with a switch capable of what, seems to be track speed >40+mph (?) <: at least, we see some of the double stackers not slow down when they make that corner, west, towards Wellington.... I've not noticed,of late, of apparent 'construction traffic' (?) moving either way. But speed and volumn has definitely picked up ...
samfp1943 MikeF90 Have not read anything on the Emporia sub 2MT project lately, but the new Spokane River bridge work is underway: https://www.railwayage.com/mw/bnsf-rebuilds-one-bridge-begins-another-in-the-northwest/?RAchannel=news Refurbishment of the older bridge near Sandpoint is progressing well and may be complete this year to add the second main track. Memorial Day -Mon- 5/29/2023 I have no way to access the line between Mulvne and Augusta, but from where I am (Eldorado Sub,Main 3, abnout mp;126/127; traffic, both east and west seems to move mostly at track speed....( a couple of years ago, BNSF replaced the switch onto Main 3) ,with a switch capable of what, seems to be track speed >40+mph (?) <: at least, we see some of the double stackers not slow down when they make that corner, west, towards Wellington.... I've not noticed,of late, of apparent 'construction traffic' (?) moving either way. But speed and volumn has definitely picked up ...
06/14/2023--Unable tk edit out problem extra postingsinthis poist..../Apooartently, Javascript and my /puter are on the outs??? SamFP1943
Per an unexpected post from a KS local on TO, the second MT between Ellinor and Chelsea is now fully operational. This leaves the single track segments west of El Dorado Lake as the remainder of the project.
See southern transcon points: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1VRnODytoJvQobOqykJUwAH2FU4w
diningcar What is not being remembered: the SP built the line from Barstow to Needles and subsequently traded it to Santa Fe. SP created the names in question.
What is not being remembered: the SP built the line from Barstow to Needles and subsequently traded it to Santa Fe. SP created the names in question.
Yep they traded the Needles-Barstow section for Santa Fe's Sonora Railway that was built between Nogales, Sonora-Mazatlan, Sinaloa later extended to Guadalajara. This secton was operated as Southern Pacific de Mexico. SP sold it to Mexican Government in the early 50's. The route today is operated by Ferromex.
On a side note, construction has begun on the new 1st Ave. bridge in Barstow. Work can be watched on the VRF Barstow-West camera. The new bridge is being built on the west side and the current bridge will be removed when complete.
In my area of the U.S., the 'Alphabet Towns' are fairly common. About 20 miles south of me, the line of towns along the railroad go from the letter 'B' to the letter 'M'.
York1 John
Not much different from the line in MO I read about not long ago where the station names were someone's children.
I did a conceptual model railroad some years ago (on paper - never built) and the station/town names were in alphabetical order. Nice to know there's a prototype for just about anything...
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
Thank you for that, MidlandMike! Very cool!
kgbw49 Makes sense. I wonder if Ibis was some railroad person who had a railroad location named after him? Desert warfare training - almost surely was for the North Africa Campaign.
Makes sense. I wonder if Ibis was some railroad person who had a railroad location named after him?
Desert warfare training - almost surely was for the North Africa Campaign.
Ibis is a wetland bird and can be found in California, although I think of their iconic association with the Nile River in Egypt.
kgbw49I wonder if Ibis was some railroad person who had a railroad location named after him?
I'm pretty sure AT&SF just picked some names in alphabetical order. Per my timetable old station names are Amboy, Bolo, Cadiz, Danby, Essex, Fenner, Goffs, Homer, Ibis, Java, Klinefelter.
Per posts on other forums it appears that the new third MT is being built west to Homer or CP E. Goffs.
kgbw49 Ibis refers to Camp Ibis which was a desert warfare training camp set up in World War II. http://skytrail.info/new/camp_ibis.htm
Ibis refers to Camp Ibis which was a desert warfare training camp set up in World War II.
http://skytrail.info/new/camp_ibis.htm
Cool link, thanks
Digging around it looks like camp was named after the siding.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camp_Ibis
The site of the Camp Ibis 8 miles (13 km) East of Needles, California off Highway 95, north of Interstate 40 in San Bernardino County, California. The camp was originally named after the Ibis railroad siding in Piute Valley. The camp was located at the west side of the Dead Mountains Wilderness.
Perhaps my ninety-one-year-old memory is failing; but I think the 'jug handle' route was the later one and was created to reduce the westward gradient.
Just found a new long bridge east of Ibis for the third MT:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1VRnODytoJvQobOqykJUwAH2FU4w&ll=34.915893057169846%2C-114.76958946650704&z=18
I haven't seen signs of a fourth MT extension west, however the new railcam shows the crew change point on 4MT at Needles can be extremely busy.
Interesting to see how well they blended the old and new images.
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