RAILforum: Sunset Ltd-Houston to Beaumont

This is topic Sunset Ltd-Houston to Beaumont in forum Amtrak at RAILforum.

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Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :

Does AMTRAK still use directional running between Houston and Beaumont on the Sunset? (different routes for different directions) -- I haven't ridden the SL for a while. If so, what routes are used for eastbound and westbound trains, and where do they diverge at each end? Thanks--

Posted by ehbowen (Member # 4317) on :

The last time I took the Sunset eastbound out of Houston (2008) it used the former MoPac line between Houston and Beaumont. This required a short backup move to put the train on the proper routing.

If I'm reading Google Maps correctly, this is where the routes diverge (in Houston):

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=29.773979,-95.34867&hl=en&num=1&t=m&z=17

And here is where they converge in Beaumont:

http://maps.google.com/maps?q=30.070607,-94.171513&hl=en&ll=30.07031,-94.171168&spn=0.007725,0.012982&num=1&t=m&z=17

I'm not exactly sure of the precise routing of the ex-MoP line in Houston, but I believe that after that short backup move the train takes the track running north parallel to Elysian St. to the east-west track parallel to Creston Dr. From there the line branches off to the northeast, crosses Lake Houston, and then continues to the east. The return ex-SP line runs to the south and parallels US-90 virtually all the way.

Posted by RRRICH (Member # 1418) on :

Thanks, Eric -- I'll be revisisng my maps of that route soon.