RAILforum: Chatsworth, CA - Tunnel #26 to be renovated

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Posted by Robert F (Member # 141) on :

I just read this on Metrolinks website: http://www.metrolinktrains.com/ventura_tunnel_project.htm
This is one of the longest train tunnels west of the ol' Missip. All North and Southbound Amtrak trains on the west coast run through this tunnel.
(scroll below)
-Robert F.
VENTURA COUNTY LINE

TUNNEL 26 REHABILITATION PROJECT

Dear Ventura County Line Passengers:
To increase the speed and comfort of your Metrolink commute from Ventura to Los Angeles, Metrolink will be rehabilitating the Chatsworth Tunnel, also known as Tunnel #26, this fall.
From September 30 through October 16, buses will replace train service between Oxnard and Chatsworth. Passengers who board in Oxnard, Camarillo, Moorpark and/or Simi Valley in the morning, may ride specially designated buses from these stations to Chatsworth Station. Upon arriving at Chatsworth, bus passengers will transfer to Metrolink trains, which will make all subsequent station stops to Los Angeles.
In the afternoon, northbound trains from Los Angeles will travel as far as Chatsworth Station. At Chatsworth, riders will board buses that make all subsequent station stops, at Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo and Oxnard.
Metrolink will update our riders and this web page about any new developments as the project date nears and throughout the duration of the construction. Please visit this site periodically to stay informed of the latest news.
Please review the preliminary schedule for Bus/Train service during the two-week period from September 30 to October 16, 2000.
Metrolink strives to provide safe, comfortable, convenient commuter train service to Southern California residents. After the upgrades, train travel through the tunnel will be faster, thereby reducing overall commute time.
NOTE: Passengers with wheelchairs can be accommodated, but they must call Metrolink in advance at 800-371-LINK. Also note that bike accommodations will not be available on the buses.

Posted by rms492 (Member # 78) on :

Yes, this should be interesting.

Also remember there is another tunnel on the Santa Clarita line, which is almost as long as the Chatsworth Tunnel.

Posted by Konstantin (Member # 18) on :

I am glad you posted this message. I live in Arizona now, but in the early 1960's I lived in Chatsworth. I used to walk to Chatsworth Park, which butts up against the railroad track, next to a shorter tunnel near tunnel 26 (probably tunnel 25 or 27). Now the track is fenced off. We used to be able to run up to the track and lay next to it as trains went by. I have travelled through these tunnels many times on my way north on the Coast Starlight.

Dean

------------------
Elias Valley Railroad (N-scale)
www.geocities.com/evrr

Posted by Robert F (Member # 141) on :

You can still get to the tracks from Chatsworth park south, the fence was broken open by vandals. The shorter tunnel is tunnel #27, and the next one is #28 which goes underneath Topanga Blvd. It will be nice being able to go faster than 25mph through it.

-Robert F.