Western Railroad Discussion > Wichita Kansas UP trackage rights on BNSF

Could somebody tell me to and from the UP has trackage rights that run through Wichita, KS on the BNSF?

Thanks.

RC Lundgren
Elgin, TX

Not sure what you are asking, may want to rephrase that question. 
The "hump" thru downtown is actually WUT Wichita Union Terminal. 
The BNSF (Sante Fe) runs thru there, and UP (former CRI&P) also shares 
trackage rights; coming up from Enid.

In Wichita proper, BNSF/UP have joint double track for about two miles on elevated tracks now known as the Flyover. This was constructed from 2006-2008 and replaced the older elevated track that was formerly called the hump, which is no longer around having replaced by the correct tern of the flyover.
Sam 

while we're on this subject, how do the K&O and SKOL fit into the picture at Wichita Union station? I see their locomotives occasionally

Thanks

Lackawanna484 Both drag trains across the hump (everyone on the chat calls it the hump) to BNSF and UP as transfers. Sometimes
leaving the cut there for the other RR to pick up. Watched em' separate and add DPU and headend to a Grain train the other day. Also
the SKOL makes an odd move in and out because they come up from the south, and to go west, to the K&O yard, they have to change ends
and directions. They often shove out to go south; but to come from the south and go west, they drag the train up to by the Museum; cut off and run 
around their train; reconnect on the south end, and head west. Keeps things interesting.

thanks!

On the added topic of the pair of city shortlines related to the subject:It is often overlooked that the SKO and KOR were not the original class 2 carriers in town. Some here were too young, or not even born when UP, followed by SF, dumped area branchlines in 1991 & 1993. Many others , simply forgot it was not the current operators, but another group that changed the Wichita rr scene 30 yrs ago. The KS Southwestern Ry (UP) and the Central KS Ry (SF) were these carriers during the 1990's. Both operated trains across the elevated trackage. The KOR came along in 2001 when the other set failed account of bad management that was not interested in serving their clients. 
My 2018 book published by South Patte Press, "Ex-Santa Fe: Central KS Ry", covers this with data on how shortline interchange traffic was moved through downtown Wichita between yards of UP & SF. 
When the SKO first began operating into Wichita in 1995, their local from Winfield would enter the BN connection at the old North Jct on some trips and interchange cars at the 29th st yard. For some unknown reason, the shortline had direct switching access to Allens Concrete on the BN at 17th st.  SKO also interchanged a small amount of tonnage w/CKRY at the Central KS yard south of downtown during that 1995-2001 era.
   Sam                                                                                                                                                                                              



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/08/22 06:26 by sfbrkmn.

What are the cross streets for the flyover?

When the new-built flyover replaced the hump for train traffic begninning in 3/08, a total of 12 street crossings (for the two railroads) were closed or overpassed.: 15th, 13th, 11th, 10th, 9th, Murdock, ending with Central. The other closed or overpassed crossings south of Central date from the original elevated project of 1910-1913. It is also intresting to note that the 2008 rebuild of this was actually proposed in the 1910 draft which would have extended up to and including 17t st. Due to a number of factors, the draft was shortened to rebuild the tracks from the south side of Union Stn to, but not including Central Ave. 
Another interesting fun fact that  was first brought up at a city council meeting in 1974. It took 31 yrs until the first spade of dirt was turned in 2005. Not to bash my city, but Wichita has always been a slow molass cowtown when it comes to progressing on needed projects.
As a trainman who has worked the Ark City Sub in the past, but not currently, the elvated track is the best infrasturcture project at least in the Wichita area, which has made life easier for all 
Sam 

UP also has trackage rights on the BNSF Ark City sub. The UP's local to Ark City uses these trackage rights. 

 UP on Santa Fe rights south of Wichita to Arkcit, in its current format, was placed in effect 5/13/91. 
Sam 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/10/22 21:17 by sfbrkmn.