Another at-grade
street crossing, with no signs, gates, or other markers.
An abandoned
siding is found below the metal fence. At one time, industry along
the branch used the Bushwick Branch for freight deliveries. As industry
turned to trucks for deliveries, sidings such as this fell in to disrepair,
and were eventually abandoned. If the grand plans of revitalizing
freight train infrastructure in the New York City/Long Island area ever
come to fruition, sidings such as these will need to be refurbished and
rebuilt in order to serve customers.
Here is an
interesting juxtaposition. At this crossing, the Bushwick mainline
has the typical metal plates buffering the street's asphalt and the railroad
tracks, but the spur in the background that leads to a siding does not
have the plates. It was interesting watching cars maneuver around
the tracks, since the rails without the metal plates generate a very bumpy
ride for the passengers in the motor vehicles.
Ahhhhh!
Finally... a railroad crossing sign letting motorists know that they are
approaching the railroad crossing!
Back on the
right-of-way, we see that one has to be extremely careful when walking
along the route. Garbage is all over the place, and broken glass
and other sharp objects reside on the ground. Very rugged workboots
are required for this journey.
-->> Click Here to Continue to Explore the Bushwick Branch!