Amtrak Downeaster Discussion Thread

[Backshophoss]

Figure on Ocean View getting routed direct to Beech Gove unless the repair can be done at Albany on the cheap.
Odds are the repair will be VETO'ed by "Delta Dick".

[charlesriverbranch]

MN's Southeast station(aka Brewster North) has a foot crossing with gates,uses a ramp to reach the hi-level island platform.
That might be worth checking out,as a fix for the 2nd platform at Wells.

There is a foot crossing with crossbucks and lights on the Needham MBTA line in a golf course just outbound from the Hersey station.

In Ashland, VA, where the ex-RF&P runs in a median strip down Center Street, there are several pedestrian crossings with no signs or signals of any kind. There is a sign at the (unstaffed) Ashland station warning passengers that trains use both tracks in both directions, and that passengers waiting for a train may have to cross the tracks as it approaches if it is on the opposite track.

[jonnhrr]

Based on current FRA policies it's probably safe to assume that Wells would have to be a full high with crossover bridge and elevators.

Would a full high require a gauntlet track for PAR freights to clear the platform?

Also, regarding the comments about electrification and future proofing. I think you would not even consider electrification until service levels were 12 trains / day or more, maybe hourly service. At that point you are talking double track between Haverhill and Portland as well. I cannot see that happening anytime in near future.

Jon

[BostonUrbEx]

Would a full high require a gauntlet track for PAR freights to clear the platform?

The current mini-highs set the clearance envelope on wide freight as they do not have fold-up edges. So a full high could be built to the same clearances and Amtrak would just have to continue using bridge plates.


Unrelated: the dome car came down on 680 yesterday and then the Portland switcher crew brought it over the Grand Jct to Beacon Park. Made it to Albany later that day.

[Renegade334]

The current mini-highs set the clearance envelope on wide freight as they do not have fold-up edges. So a full high could be built to the same clearances and Amtrak would just have to continue using bridge plates.

Which means, unfortunately, single door unloading and loading of passengers for the foreseeable future.

[BAR]

Interesting to read about Ashland, Virginia. I have passed through Ashland on Amtrak many times and the train has always stopped on the track closest to the station so passengers boarding or detraining did not have to cross tracks.

BAR

[Dick H]

During stops for major loading and discharging, conductors currently open a pair of doors next to each other with bridge
plates at the min-high platform stations. If there is a large group boarding, but a small group detraining,
one door will be used for detraining, while the second door will start boarding at the same time.

Brunswick is a full length platform with no bridge plates required.
There is a second track opposite the station for freight movements.

[benboston]

I just visited Ogunquit the other day. I'd like to say that the car traffic in the center of town is severe. Two things would help: more frequent Downeaster service (maybe they should work towards a concrete goal like hourly service by 2030), and better connections from Ogunquit to the Wells Amtrak Station.

[TRNE]

TrainRiders/NE interviewed Patricia Quinn about the Wells project and the planned Kennebunk stop. Go here: http://www.trainridersne.org" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[jonnhrr]

The TRNE video shows for Wells a mini high at the East end and a shorter "high level" platform at the West end for the new platform.

Also I see they seem to be proceeding with the Kennebunk station for maybe next Summer. That seems optimistic.

Jon

[Renegade334]

Can anyone think of the reasoning behind not making the new Wells platform entirely high?

[shadyjay]

Just a guess, but probably to keep the freight line available for high & wide movements, or just for regular freight movements.

[BostonUrbEx]

The mini-highs do not have fold-up edges, so clearance is not the reasoning. They could easily just build the full highs to the same clearance envelope and require additional bridge plates at whatever additional pair(s) of doors are open.

[Dick H]

A full length platform would cost a million dollars or more.

[Dick H]

Headline in Foster's Daily Democrat:
"Bagel Shop to Open at Dover Transportation Center"
http://www.fosters.com/news/20181010/ba ... ion-center" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Headline should read: "Bagel Shop to Replace Dover Transportation Center"

It is my understanding that, except for a 4 ft by 4 ft. space inside the front
door, the Bagel company will have full control of the remainder of the entire
inside of the building. All passenger seating will be removed. Vending machines
will be removed. Most, if not all, transit and tourist information racks will be
removed. The bagel shop will close at 3:00PM and except for the 4x4 area for
the station host and the rest rooms, will be walled off. However, to access the
rest rooms, it will be necessary to walk outside to the end farthest away from
the platforms. The outside doors on that end of the building are not equipped
with remote opening devices.

Posters here who keep photo collections of the Downeaster facilities and do not
have inside photos of the Dover station, best get your photos pronto. The City
Council approved the contract with the Bagel Company last Wednesday, The
interior renovations will likely begin soon, with a November opening planned.

Earlier this week, two full tour buses arrived at the DTC with 100 passengers to
board Train #682. With heavy rain in progress, most of the tour group crowded
into the station. A similar situation will no longer be possible with the lease to
the bagel company.