On Water Avenue, nearly half the street’s width has disappeared so that crossing gates can be installed at this gateway to the Edgewater Village development. Albany drivers may wonder if this is wise.
Queen crossing to remain bumpy
Written July 31st, 2017 by Hasso Hering
Albany’s busiest railroad crossing on Queen Avenue will be improved for safety one of these days. But it won’t be soon, and when it’s done it will still be a bumpy ride for cars.
Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: ODOT-Rail, Portland & Western, Queen Avenue crossing, Rick Shankle, Union Pacific
Tags: ODOT-Rail, Portland & Western, Queen Avenue crossing, Rick Shankle, Union Pacific
Crossing concept draws objections
Written September 12th, 2016 by Hasso Hering
ODOT-Rail has an idea for trying to prevent people from going around the closed crossing gates on Albany’s Queen Avenue and getting run over by trains. It involves, among other things, eliminating one of the two westbound traffic lanes and might cost around $1 million in federal funds. At least three members of the city […]
Mayors back Amtrak rail preference
Written April 15th, 2016 by Hasso Hering
With one exception caused by a thief in California, Amtrak trains have been arriving in Albany more or less on time this week. But the mayor is worried that a proposed change in federal regulation would weaken the law that says railroads must give passenger trains preference on their tracks.
Posted in: Commentary, News
Tags: Amtrak, Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight, ODOT-Rail, Surface Transportation Board
Tags: Amtrak, Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight, ODOT-Rail, Surface Transportation Board
To save the trains, buy a ticket
Written July 3rd, 2015 by Hasso Hering
The Cascades passenger trains that stop in Albany four times a day have been rescued for now with a funding package that cleared the legislature on Thursday. But only an increase in the number of paying passengers can save them for good.
Albany rail project near completion
Written June 17th, 2014 by Hasso Hering
Whether it’s a right turn or a left turn depends on which direction the trains are going. But it will be a few more weeks before they use a new Albany track to turn either right or left. That’s the word from Kevin R. Haugh, the general manager of the Portland & Western Railroad.
Albany rail project inches forward
Written January 18th, 2014 by Hasso Hering
The deadline for finishing this Albany railroad project has been missed, but there’s been a lot of progress lately, including the partial installation of some actual track. The Portland & Western Railroad has been building what’s called the Santiam Lead, a section of track that parallels the Union Pacific mainline for about three city blocks.
Progress on crucial Albany rail link
Written December 3rd, 2013 by Hasso Hering
Passersby can see that work has resumed on the so-called Santiam Lead, a stretch of new railroad track parallel to the Union Pacific Mainline in Albany. High time, too. Under an agreement between the Portland & Western Railroad and ODOT-Rail, the project is supposed to be completed by Dec. 31.
Passenger rail planning on slow track
Written February 9th, 2013 by
You won’t be surprised to learn that under federal guidance, Oregon continues to plod along slowly in trying to find the best way to enhance passenger rail transportation up and down the Willamette Valley. The effort began 2011 with federal grants and the hiring of consultants to conduct an environmental assessment of various routes that […]
Water and Hill: What’s going on
On the Albany riverfront, the intersection of Water Avenue and Hill Street has been torn up for weeks. It’s being rebuilt to make it look like the corner of Water and Jackson Street five blocks to the west, and you may wonder what’s behind this and why.
Tags: BNSF, BRX, concrete pavers, crossing gates, ODOT-Rail, Water and Hill, Water Avenue streetscape