Western Railroad Discussion > Abo Canyon Construction - any reports?

How's the BNSF project to add a second track through Abo Canyon in New Mexico coming along?

Any reports or pictures of progress, or information?

Thanks!

The BNSF Yahoo list had a report..looked like a news release..that construction was getting underway and access would be restricted etc. A couple days ago I looked on the BNSF website but couldnt find anything under News.
Roger B

I was in the area last week. Talking with the local BNSF employees it sounds like earth-moving has started and periodic blasting was taking place.
It's not an easy spot to get a first hand look.

Stephen

rfdatalink Wrote:
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> It's not an easy spot to get a first hand look.

Maybe "Cinder" will do a flyover at some point!

wlankenau Wrote:
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> Maybe "Cinder" will do a flyover at some point!

If my pilot was based in ABQ I'd certainly front up some cash for fuel and shoot it.
There's nothing better than a nice breeze aloft with the doors off, and being strapped in it's a good thing he flies in the right seat - I shoot better left.


TCS - hey DW, can you head over that ways a little ? sure thing ...

Probably better to wait a few weeks (or months); there's probably not a lot to see right now.

Civil work will take 9 months so there will be time.

You'd be amazed what gets done in a short time. I missed a ton of stuff on Cajon because I thought the same thing.


TCS - maybe the bone picker will bless us with his whizdumb again

TopcoatSmith Wrote:
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> You'd be amazed what gets done in a short time. I
> missed a ton of stuff on Cajon because I thought
> the same thing.

Despite that, you did a great job documenting that project.

I had great inspiration in the form of Mac and his wonder camera, not to mention a few pointers on where what was going on and how to get there.


TCS - so somebody go get abo

But don't forget, access in Cajon is a world of difference from access in Abo Canyon. Unless you guys from southern California have a link with God (whoever that might be in this case), you will not be able to cover the Abo Canyon construction as you did in Cajon. If you can, I look forward to your posts.

In fact, therein is a challenge for ANYBODY to post some accurate information and pictures of the progress in Abo Canyon. Heck, I live here and have photographed the canyon for 40 years and I can't do it! Perhaps some of the "cloaked" BNSF members of Trainorders can help out......

Super_C Wrote:
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> (snip)
>
> In fact, therein is a challenge for ANYBODY to
> post some accurate information and pictures of the
> progress in Abo Canyon. Heck, I live here and
> have photographed the canyon for 40 years and I
> can't do it! Perhaps some of the "cloaked" BNSF
> members of Trainorders can help out......

That's an excellent point.

If folks have pictures, new info, etc, perhaps they could send them on to Todd for posting if they want to stay cloaked.

Thanks for all the info, guys!

I think you'll need a camera-equipped Army-surplus Predator to get any shots in there!

Too bad that rancher won't run a Crawfordhill type Bed&Breakfast! CJ

Toured the Canyon tracks a few years ago with Ernie Robart, who has photographed and helped resume NG action on the C&TSRR, has pics in many Western rail books, is helping on ATSF 2926 restoration in Abq.
There are steep solid rock hills the track cuts through, wandering canyons, several washes, a very rugged, disconnected landscape in an area smaller than Cajon.
Nearby US 60 from Belen also climbs the grade to Mountainair, but not near enough.

Abqfoamer Wrote:
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> (snip)
> There are steep solid rock hills the track cuts
> through, wandering canyons, several washes, a very
> rugged, disconnected landscape in an area smaller
> than Cajon.
> Nearby US 60 from Belen also climbs the grade to
> Mountainair, but not near enough.

Those hills and washes formed some of the environmental objections to the original project description. Hopefully those objections have been set aside and the construction can continue.

I don't think the railroad distance from the highway 60 bridge to SAIS is all that long. Maybe 4 miles? compared to much more for the roundabout highway routing.