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Jack May |
I hadn’t been to Denver since the E. R. A. Convention in 2013, and since then a great many additional lines and extensions were opened–including a whole new regional rail (or commuter rail) system. Thus if there were one area in the United States that would offer me opportunities to break my fast with the opportunity to explore new lines, it would be the “Mile High” city. And air fares were particularly low i
We continue our survey of Denver’s Commuter Rail system with some photos at various outer stations; you may follow along using the map at https://www.rtd-denver.com/services/rail/rail-system-map. The B and the G lines share the rails leading northward from the western end of Union Station to 56th Avenue, where the right-of-way bends to the northwest, leading into Pecos Junction, the second stop. This is where the two lines split, with the B continuing straight, and the G turning to the west.
Under the road overpasses that define the Pecos Junction station of the merged B and G lines is a mural entitled Roots Crossing, painted by a certain Bimmer Torres as part of the RTD’s Arts in Transit program. Each station has some artwork, but this is the only one I saw that features transportation. A surreal train occupies most of the station’s retaining wall, flanked by four examples of road transport, but also with a steam train and airplane
While the NG line was cut back from Georgetown, it continued to run to Idaho Springs until the early war years. One of the plaques shows C&S 71 in Arvada circa 1942. Engine 71 didn’t have the usual C&S NG “Beartrap” smokestack, as it was converted to oil so it didn’t have to take on coal on the Clear Creek line.
What passenger load did you observe? Sparse, or Heavy?
Denver really blew it when they let the rail corridor south from Union Station be developed for buildings. Thus the two stub ended operations facing each other.
Electroliner, I’ll ask Jack.
10-Breaking COVID’s cabin fever Denver light-rail
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Jack May |
The east side of Denver, out on the prairie, is where there’s developable land. I have been doing ski trips thru Denver for years. Since they built the new airport out in the prairie, every year there are developements sprouting up in the sagebrush. I thought the airport rail line would put a station at Tower Road where a dozen hotels had sprung up at the first exit from the airport. However, they put the station a little further away, but I see Mr. May found a new hotel built right near the station.