This was Monday afternoon and it could have been bad. Flaggers were regulating traffic on North Albany road, and the line of stopped northbound vehicles stretched back across the railroad tracks when the crossing lights started flashing and, moments later, the gates came down.
All year long I’ve been wondering and occasionally asking the Portland & Western when the railroad would start using the new section of Albany track that the state gave it nearly $7 million to construct. Now the long-awaited occasion has come and gone, and I missed it.
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.
Ready for another fascinating report from the wilds of Albany’s riverside bike and walking trail, the Dave Clark Path? The path happens to be part of one of my favorite short cycling routes around town. So what about those cracks in one of the piers holding up the Portland & Western bridge across the Willamette River?
At N. Albany RR track, a novel sight
For 39 years I’ve crossed the railroad tracks on North Albany Road just about twice every day. In yet on Monday I and maybe a couple dozen other motorists were treated to a sight that was novel at least for me.
Tags: North Albany Road crossing, Portland & Western Railroad