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Salem depot restoration plans approved
Have to comment on the use of “classic” photos. The one being used over and over again for any Cascade Service is taken alongside Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. That is not anywhere near close to Salem, OR. Since Salem is Oregon’s Capitol, perhaps it would be worthy of its own photo anyway.
The passenger station was renovated in 2000 and is being used by Amtrak. I suspect that the passenger station alone isn’t big enough for a multimodal facility and that the old freight depot may become the bus station or perhaps a future commuter rail station.
I don’t understand – why isn’t the passenger station it is next to being renovated and utilized?
To answer you question, Mr. Nollette; the Salem passenger Depot is in use currently and looks to be in very fine fettle. One thing I’ve noticed about Oregon train stations, they are kept up and the homeless are discouraged to loiter around the depots.
That site is NOT big enough to accomodate more than ONE bus at a time. The city has already SCREWED up Amtrak parking lot access. Now, adding the Greydog to the site will make it more dangerous for rail passengers and railfans. This is NOT a workable idea.
I am glad that they are rennovating the former freight depot. It’s been mothballed far too long. But it is not big enough to be a bus depot. I know, I live in Salem, and visit the Amtrak depot frequently.
I share Mr. Bjorkman’s concern. I was at the Salem station a couple weeks ago and watched some of the Asbestos mitigation going on. But the site itself is really hemmed in by the tracks, 12th St. and a bridge over the tracks. I really don’t know where they will put the buses. Perhaps if they pulled out the siding to the east and moved the main line eastward that would help. But then they would have a longer distance between the station and the embarkation point. UP would surely love that idea.
I’m really curious how this will work out.
I agree with what Mr. Bates said about depot photos. Trains staff did a good job to post photos about depots in Grand Island and Valparaiso this week, and extensive info on contacts to help with renovation projects. Why not here in this column for Salem?