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Richmond's downtown station reopened last year. Does anyone know what the area is like for wandering around on foot, looking at the old rail lines in the area?
I know the triple crossing is nearby, but couldn't really tell how safe (or dangerous) the neighborhood would be.
MP
Steve Dunham Member # 924
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On March 27 the Virginia Assn. of Railway Patrons had its annual meeting in Richmond, beginning with a tour of Main Street Sta. (very nice).
On the whole, the area is OK and safe. With the highway bridge built within spitting distance of the station and overshadowing some of the local real estate, part of the neighborhood is ugly. It is becoming gentrified, though, with restaurants and markets opening in recent years, though there is a strip joint around the corner. The triple crossing and the beginning of the canal walk (a nice mile-and-a-quarter walk that leads to the Tredegar Iron Works and Civil War museum) are in sight from the front steps of the station, about a block away.
I would have no qualms about walking around in the daytime.
------------------ Steve Dunham Literalman@aol.com http://www.stevedunham.50megs.com/
MPALMER Member # 125
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Steve, Thanks for the detailed response. I rode through the area on Amtrak on the way to/from Newport News last August. The triple crossing was interesting, but I was also curious about the old SAL yard (per SPV atlas) just north of the station. I agree the freeway pillars take away from the appeal but that's "progress".
Mike
Steve Dunham Member # 924
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I think that the old SAL yard is not being used right now but is being considered as a turnaround point for the Amtrak trains that terminate in Richmond.
One of the presentations at the VARP meeting was by Alan Tobias, and engineer with the Va. Dept. of Rail and Public Transportation, and he indicated that several locations are under consideration for turning the trains.
------------------ Steve Dunham Literalman@aol.com http://www.stevedunham.50megs.com/
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