Am I understanding this correctly, the S-Line is supposed to run between the convention center and Gateway mall? According to the latest reports it is to be up and running within 5 years. I can't see why it would take that long. Now it they run the BRT down blvd, would this compliment the S-Line? If the rail is available this line should go to the airport.
That was my ugly mug on TV 4 yesterday. Got to get us some time to get the city off the wallet... (currently reserved just for right-of-way as none thought it possible to build anything for less then BRT's $30 Million a mile original cost) "Just like rail only CHEAPER!" uh huh? Where?
You are right, rail will cost us about $5-8 Million a mile WITH equipment and stations included for 25 years. As it is illegal to mix Light Rail (streetcars) and full size trains on the same track - at the same time. The crossing at BLVD and the "S" would be a Bitch with Light Rail and the MLK AND the NS all within a few blocks. That and the bridges will need at least 23 feet of clearence on regular railroad track, Maybe 18 with traditional Trolley wire. You can see the mix up.
There ARE times when the train can be locked out, the track sealed off etc... But if we can do it cheaper with off the shelf diesel cars - for even less, then why? The Airport AND Yukon/NAS or Orange Park North if we can swing it.
OCKLAWAHA
Bob, is there a link to the story? I missed it.
Wasn't much of a "Story" really, but I didn't find a link either??? weird.
OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: Ocklawaha on November 25, 2008, 02:59:30 PM
As it is illegal to mix Light Rail (streetcars) and full size trains on the same track - at the same time. The crossing at BLVD and the "S" would be a Bitch with Light Rail and the MLK AND the NS all within a few blocks.
The Tampa streetcar line crosses a CSX track that also has AMTRAK trains (when they are serving Tampa)...early on, the streetcar would have to stop at the tracks and call someone at CSX to get clearance to cross....this usually took several minutes...they have since worked out a quicker solution, but I'm not sure what it is.
There are only two FRA/FTA ways to pull it off.
1. Temporal separation, basically a time lock-out of one line or the other protected by signals, derails, gates, crash boards or some combination of the above, to create a temporal break in the transfer from one line to the other.
2. Physical separation, which just says we don't connect or cross, this too could be achieved through the use of Derails or some combinations of the above devices that make a physical break in the transfer.
In the mind of the FRA it's sort of a formula: Locomotive 400,000 pounds + Streetcar 60,000 pounds = Locomotive wins EVERY time.
In the mind of the FTA it's more a formula of: Locomotive 400,000 pounds + Streetcar 60,000 pounds + bus 50,000 pounds = "He who gets the green light moves first". This is what happened in Tampa.
Currently the FRA is NOT being friendly to Light Rail or Streetcar projects within their scope, so until the new administration is in house and we see some clear direction this is NOT the time to go crossing or mixing modes. I'm pretty sure that will straighten out now that the angry FRA chief has been batted to AMTRAK as of last night. God help Amtrak, they might need it. We could still go for Streetcar Riverside-Downtown-Stadium in one shot, now that you KNOW the costs. BTW, first CD is already in hands RE: Cost
OCKLAWAHA
Are you hopeful now that the new administration is going to be enacting a massive infrastructure package? How is this going to affect Jax, and do you think our rail will be a priority now?
Is there someone in city hall ready to request some of that money, when it comes available??
QuoteAre you hopeful now that the new administration is going to be enacting a massive infrastructure package? How is this going to affect Jax, and do you think our rail will be a priority now?
QuoteIs there someone in city hall ready to request some of that money, when it comes available??
1. Hopeful might be a stretch, as the Ancient one here, guess I've seen one too many rescue plans fall apart. I think we will get a package, I think iit will be massive and I think that it will kill us down the road. Print more paper notes and tell me it's money or piss on my leg and tell me it's raining... NOT.
2. Glorious Johnson might take the lead at City Hall if the tide swell keeps the Dem's afloat, otherwise we might not have that much time. A couple of others at Council are interested, but who would move I can't tell. You can almost bet it won't be the current upper crust.
I don't mean to sound defeated but this is the reason I couldn't support either guy in this campaign, one wanted to cut us to K-Rations and the other to Spend Us Rich. Lo the Rubicon has been crossed. OCKLAWAHA
Quote from: Beloki on November 26, 2008, 02:28:56 PM
Is there someone in city hall ready to request some of that money, when it comes available??
Good Question I was wondering the same thing. Hopefully someone is in line and ahead of Tampa Bay.
Quote from: Ocklawaha on November 25, 2008, 02:59:30 PM
That and the bridges will need at least 23 feet of clearence on regular railroad track, Maybe 18 with traditional Trolley wire. You can see the mix up.
Is this why I saw you hanging off the Park Street viaduct near the old train station with a tape measure the other day? ;D
Your right Gator. That is both the why and the ugly up there. Down below were about 7 movers and shakers in the railroad and transportation business... They had the notepad. BTW, if that ever happens again you better stop and say hello - wouldn't want the old rebel to go into a conniption fit.
OCKLAWAHA
DEO VINDICE
Will do. :)
Interesting.