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City welcomes rail passengers first time use on new depot facility

by Carlos Eliason, published on August 13, 2012 at 9:33 AM

Storyline: City of Sacramento

Community Tags amtrak business carlos eliason city of sacramento culture light-rail path to progress photography rail rt sac sacramento urban development

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Commuters using the Sacramento Valley Station experienced the City's new Path to Progress this morning on its first official opening day. Although some passengers used the new 500 foot walkway Friday night, the majority of commuters took their first steps on the concrete pathway Monday morning. There to greet passengers from about 4:30 to 8:30 a.m. were representatives of the City of Sacramento as well as Councilmember Steve Cohn, and other elected officials.

The New Union Pacific Railroad tracks were relocated 500 feet north to make room for the City’s future Intermodal. The new track alignment also improves safety and efficiency of train operations and will connect the Railyards with the rest of the downtown grid.

The $48 million project includes a half-mile of new railroad tracks, two of three pedestrian tunnels, a new water main and new passenger platforms. The project also includes an estimated $10 million in Union Pacific track and signal improvements. Funding came from federal stimulus programs, state Proposition 1B and state Proposition 1C.

Visit www.pathtoprogress.info for more information and updates.

Disclosure: Carlos Eliason is a designer and photographer working for the City of Sacramento.

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William Burg

August 13, 2012 | 5:34 PM

The walk to the tracks is a bit stark. You know what might make it a bit more interesting? Park a couple of food trucks at the kiosk area halfway to the tracks, add a few tables and chairs. Visitors arriving or departing will have a chance to grab a snack, and those working nearby can walk over for lunch and get to know our new train platform. In the long run, a larger and more complete transit plaza will take its place--but a few food trucks would certainly make that stroll to the depot a bit more appealing.

The tunnel portion reminds me a lot of similar passageways in Los Angeles' union station--and the distance to the tracks is fairly similar. Los Angeles has a few retail kiosks, including a coffee shop, a couple of places to eat, and a sundries shop where travelers can pick up incidentals and something to read. A long, stark walk is made much more comfortable by a more interesting environment along the way.

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Carlos Eliason

August 14, 2012 | 8:50 AM

There is a conversation right now about bringing some mobile food venders to the area for a quick bite to eat. As well, there will be landscaping to liven up the feel of the walkway. Keep in mind it will improve as time goes on, and the temporary portion may be a little more stark than the finished product.

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Ben Ilfeld

August 14, 2012 | 5:14 PM

I love the creativity. We have an opportunity here to do something unique and cool, so let's give it a try!

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Lovelivinginthegrid

August 13, 2012 | 6:04 PM

I took the train to SF for work today and the walk was long but I like the changes. A few minor issues that need fixing. All parking stall numbers changed and no notice was given this would happen. Regulars always park in the same stall and pay at the machine. I suspect some got tickets today not realizing it changed. The pedestrian crossing at the far west near old sac was closed off, certainly discourages passengers from wandering to old Sac and makes parking in the discounted lot much more challenging. It is great to see the progress and improvements

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Carlos Eliason

August 14, 2012 | 8:55 AM

Thanks for the feedback! We'll check into the parking situation and the pedestrian crossing to see if issues can be mitigated.

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slpnsac

August 14, 2012 | 9:35 AM

I think they're going to need to add some restrooms out there. I take the Capitol Corridor every morning and there are lots of people drinking coffee. And today our train had mechanical issues and was delayed 30 minutes. There were quite a few people hoping around and walking fast waiting for the train to arrive! :)

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Joe Gamble

August 15, 2012 | 1:37 PM

I would like to see Regional Transit adjust the departure times for the Gold Line trains from Sacramento Valley Station. I've been delaying my departure a few minutes since the platform moved, But I am not always afforded such a luxury. I always feel terrible when I'm halfway out of the station and I see people running to catch my train.

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