You need a raise! (Ft. Madison, IA)

Randy Gustafson · **Posted:** Thu Mar 14, 2013 9:42 am

My client at Fort Madison sent me this link.

This is just amazing, they did a time-lapse of the depot raise project from start to finish. Remember, ATSF had vacated this building in the 60's, moved west to the yard. Then they wanted the yard area back for intermodal space, Amtrak and the City came to agreement on re-using the original brick depot...with a catch. ATSF/BNSF had raised the main line about four feet since the 60's to keep their feet dry- meaning the station had to be raised as well to be back at track level.

From an engineering standpoint the painful problem was obvious, the question was the local willpower on getting it done. So .... SALUTE Fort Madison... and enjoy...

http://www.fortmadison-ia.com/mediacenter.aspx?VID=37

Richard Glueck · **Posted:** Thu Mar 14, 2013 9:52 am

I love watching teh shadows move ont he tracks in teh lower portion of the picture.

wilkinsd · **Posted:** Thu Mar 14, 2013 12:10 pm

Ft. Madison is a beautiful location, and a great place to watch trains, if one is so inclinded. Though a drive across the bridge can be a bit scary.

This is a very nice reuse of the historic space.

Becky Morgan · **Joined:** Tue Jun 22, 2010 4:22 pm **Posts:** 495

The rail traffic is fast enough, but it's really funny to watch tugboats flick by on the river.
That is an outstanding final result. I was surprised at the connector they put in, but it looks as if it were original.

Randy Gustafson · **Posted:** Fri Mar 15, 2013 8:54 am

The track in the foreground is the ex-Burlington track up the west bank toward Burlington, IA (you're on the west bank of the Mississippi looking east). It's got some unit coal train traffic on it, the clip shows at least one. The webcam appears to be on top of the Burlington depot.

The two tracks on the far side of the station are ex-ATSF and cross the Mississippi on that legendary swing-span just out of sight to the left. As you can see, the ex-ATSF line traffic is heavy.

I'm told that they are at least investigating the possibility of moving 2913 up to this site, but I don't have any more firm information to share.

This is also the home of the Kingsley Inn (just out of sight to the left) which is one of the best trainwatching hotels/B&B's I've come across, and civilized enough to not have to apologize to the rest of the family for choosing.

wm303 · **Posted:** Fri Mar 15, 2013 9:47 am

If there is a will, you can find a way to accomplish anything.