The train horn in the distance sounded like it came from the Union Pacific’s mainline. I was in the Willamette Neighborhood on a bike ride, so I hustled over to my favorite grade crossing to see what I could see.
Go down toward the river from the parking lot at Albany’s Talking Water Gardens and turn left. Now you’re on a dirt trail through the brush that leads to Bowman Park.
Having torn myself away from the national news Saturday night, I was taking my usual bike ride through the east end of old Albany when I heard the horn of a train coming down from the north.
On bike rides around Albany I usually avoid Queen Avenue because of the rail crossing south of the Albany yard. On Thursday afternoon I did go that way and witnessed motorists practicing amazing patience while the crossing was blocked for what seemed like a very long time.
Albany City Manager Peter Troedsson told readers of his Friday report to the city council that Water Avenue at Thurston Street was once again open to traffic. On Saturday’s bike ride along the riverfront, I stopped to take a look.
Every once in a while it’s helpful to get away, and one good place to go is the Oregon beach.
Just in time to watch another train
It has been a few weeks since you last saw a train on this site. So let’s make up for lost time.
Tags: Albany wye, Madison Steet crossing, Railroads, trains, Union Pacific, UP No. 7160