While I would prefer to have confirmation from a recognized newssource, an "alternative source" has posted a report of a new Amtrak station to be located within what appears to be about 1 mi closer to Downtown than is the existing Peachtree Station.
The new station is to be at 17th St and Northside Dr US41 and it appears the proposed location is presently vacant. While, even if only serving "one a day', one could only hope for something more architecturally pleasing than, say, MSP, SLC or OMA.
Posted by notelvis (Member # 3071) on :
Very Interesting news.
The existing Brookwood station is a gem but it was originally a small suburban station..... a New Carrollton to Washington Union if you will .... and never intended to handle Atlanta's full load even for just one a day.
I think I'd prefer to see the existing station renovated (again) and enlarged though.
Posted by sojourner (Member # 3134) on :
Me too; it's a lovely little station, I believe designed by a famous architect. I suppose it could be used for something else, but I do like using the old stations as stations. OTOH, it is definitely too small for the passengers using it, with just the one elevator and stairs. Quite a few get on and off there, and when they do, it's very congested. And the area for cars to pull up outside is miniscule.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
I'm glad that they are getting a new station. A little saddened as the current station will be left without service. But is there the possibility of commuter rail. But it could be like Charlotte's new station. "We will do it," ten years later, "we will do it"
Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
I would think the state would be a lot better expanding the current station - perhaps a concourse over the tracks - than spending the $29 million for a new one. Especially if they could also sell the land they currently own.
As one of my sons will be moving to the Roswell, Ga area, I can see this as becoming my station of choice (especially with the AGR zone benefit).
But perhaps the biggest issue is the land near the tracks. The move to the new location apparently provides room to add tracks and I'm not sure if this could be done at the current location. That would then provide the opportunity to extend a Piedmont to Atlanta.
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
Obviously, if this proposal moves forth, any plans for an "Intermodal Center" with Amtrak as a participant are off the table. There is considerable question whether they will participate at the one in Miami (the only real plus would be access to rental autos, but how many Amtrak passengers rent them?), and I guess they will at Denver.
Of interest, Amtrak is not included in this Power Point presentation (9.5MB).
Posted by SilverStar092 (Member # 2652) on :
I have mixed feelings. Peachtree Station is in a good area and is a neat little facility. But it is too small as noted by others and has terrible passenger curbside drop-off/pick-up space. Actually, it's amazing how much capacity Amtrak has squeezed out of the tiny facility. The new facility would be helpful for commuter train service and would be directly on the routes from the midwest to Florida should Amtrak ever start up such service. However, the Crescent would have to make a significant reverse move and be subject to an infamously busy junction to rejoin its route to Birmingham if the new station is ever built. The only way around this would be to use the old West Point Route to Montgomery then the old L&N to Mobile and NOL. Btween CSX resistence and the need to serve Birmingham, Hattiesburg, Meridian, etc., that won't happen so a backup move will be needed.
Posted by amtrak92 (Member # 14343) on :
Not to mention back ups take up way too much time. So they would loose time. Personally, it would be better to keep the current station and just add on to it. I think
Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
quote:Originally posted by SilverStar092: However, the Crescent would have to make a significant reverse move and be subject to an infamously busy junction to rejoin its route to Birmingham if the new station is ever built. .
Mr. Silver Star, after reviewing the Google map I linked within the opening posting, I am at a loss to understand why a backup move would be needed if the station were to be relocated to the proposed location. The new location, namely 17th St and Northside Dr, is on the SRY but about one mile to the South, i.e. closer to Downtown, and "not exactly' in the "tony' Buckhead community. It appears to be on the same side of any any major junction as is Peachtree.
Posted by Geoff Mayo (Member # 153) on :
quote:Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman:
quote:Originally posted by SilverStar092: However, the Crescent would have to make a significant reverse move and be subject to an infamously busy junction to rejoin its route to Birmingham if the new station is ever built. .
Mr. Silver Star, after reviewing the Google map I linked within the opening posting, I am at a loss to understand why a backup move would be needed if the station were to be relocated to the proposed location. The new location, namely 17th St and Northside Dr, is on the SRY but about one mile to the South, i.e. closer to Downtown, and "not exactly' in the "tony' Buckhead community. It appears to be on the same side of any any major junction as is Peachtree.
Perhaps any confusion relates to the reference of Terminal Station which would require a back-up move. The station itself has gone but the tracks nearby exist.
As I understand from the maps, the proposed new station is simply sited a mile further (or thereabouts) along the same tracks.