Roanoke construction

[NW Mailing List]

Looking down at the construction today I noticed an existing stairway  
leading underground from the old passenger station "platform" between the  
tracks.  You can see it dead center in the Roanoke Web Cam with safety  
tape strung around it to prevent workers from falling in, I suppose.

Now, I recall the old underpass beneath the tracks along Jefferson Street  
 from the Old GOB to downtown, but I don't remember an underground walkway  
 from the platform.  What is this and how was it used in the passenger  
era?  My memory of catching trains as a boy was always of the old  
concourse and stairs from above the tracks.

Also, work is beginning on the roadbed near Randolph St. Tower. Can't help  
but think I should get some photos of the signals before they're gone.

We also had a view of yesterday's derailment over by the VMT, although  
binoculars were needed.  The three engines that were laying on their sides  
are gone now, and it looks like they've repaired and cleaned up the track.


Eric Shelton
Atop the Wells Fargo Tower
Roanoke