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Saw this on another site. It's a fascinating look at the progress of St. Paul Union Depot redevelopment. A few compromises (Amtrak location, auto access) but a magnificent job with room for rail expansion and a good location for Amtrak 1st class lounge.
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An enjoyable video, Palmland. I think they did a really nice job of restoring the old 1924 station. I especially like the ceiling skylights and the amenities which will be provided. I have to think there is plenty of room for a Metropolitan Lounge.
Did they guy say that, in the old days, they had as many as 300 trains per day at the Union Station? Seems like a lot, but between the Empire Builder, Chicago & Northwestern, Hiawatha, North Coast, etc, maybe that was so. The only thing that would be a minor complaint would be the lack of parking. Possibly there is a large parking garage near the station. If not, I think they said something about the ability to park at the old station site and take light rail or a shuttle bus to the new one.
Richard
TwinStarRocket Member # 2142
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According to Wikipedia, there were 282 train movements per day in the 1920's. In the 1960's, I used to take the Winnipeg Limited home from work because it was so much faster than the city bus to Minneapolis.
There will be plenty of parking around the depot and there are convenient ramps just through the skyways. The difference will be that parking is at a premium price downtown, while it is free at the current Midway station. Will they accommodate long term parking for Amtrak customers? Will there be cheap short term parking for drop-offs and foamers (and me)? I don't know yet. Light Rail will pass within a block of the old Midway Station, but there is no stop for another 3 or 4 blocks in either direction.
Interesting the video said Midway will still be used for private car hookups to Amtrak. A lot of folks have private cars at Midway and there are switch engines there.
Right now they throw switches by hand on both sides of Midway to get to the BNSF mainline. At the new depot they could back up a few blocks right onto the mainline and save some time. But then they would bypass Midway entirely.
notelvis Member # 3071
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I wonder then if the Empire Builder will continue to stop daily at Midway for refueling and other servicing?
If they plan to continue switiching private cars at Midway (the Friends of the 261 organization runs trips to Chicago with thier premium service cars on a regular basis), my guess would be yes.
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