the outer track of the third platform for Amtrak. As mentioned previously, the outer two tracks (the two closest to the Hyatt Hotel) are UP’s double-track main of the Dallas Sub. TRE trains arriving at DUPT from Fort Worth always have a cab control car in the lead and a locomotive on the point when they depart. When crossing tracks at the station, be extra vigilant, looking both ways and listening for approaching trains before crossing. DART trains can be especially quiet and sneak up on you in an instant, so once you start crossing the first two tracks get across quickly.
Houston Street Viaduct Another good location is the Houston
Street Viaduct where it passes over the UP just east of DUPT. The street has sidewalks on both sides, allowing easy photography of train movements. One-
way Houston Street passes the station on its east side and then climbs and curves to the right. Just beyond the curve sits a parking garage with an access road that connects to Market Street; Market flows back into downtown. One can park out of the way on this access road. A recent project connected DUPT with the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Beckley Avenue in Oak Cliff via a 1.6- mile, in-street streetcar line. The new line was completed in the fall of 2014.
Cedar Crest Boulevard Another good elevated location is
Cedar Crest Boulevard where it passes over the Dallas Sub just east of Forest Avenue. Looking toward Forest from the viaduct’s western sidewalk, signals are visible on both tracks as well as the switch for BNSF’s Waxahachie lead; you can see when the switch is thrown
for BNSF. Headlights of approaching eastbounds are visible nearly two miles distant, and westbounds blow for crossings about a mile east of the viaduct. An almost steady stream of gravel trucks crosses the UP at Forest Avenue as they come and go from Big City Crushed Concrete, whose giant rock pile is easily visible in the distance. In this part of town, it is best to park where you can keep an eye on your car. Use caution and exercise common sense.
Trinity River Bridge A traditionally good spot to photograph
is at the west end of the Trinity River Bridge, where the beautiful Dallas skyline serves as backdrop to the railroad. However, as part of the project to build the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge on the Woodall Rogers Freeway, Beckley Avenue near UP’s Trinity crossing was reconfigured. As a result, nearby parking is harder to find. One solution is to park in the empty lot off Beckley next to the Commerce Street Viaduct. From this lot, you can either walk north to the west end of UP’s bridge or in the opposite direction up concrete steps to the viaduct. In the non-summer months, the viaduct offers views of the railroad bridge with the Trinity flood plain in the foreground and the Hunt Hill Bridge as backdrop. The viaduct offers another interesting perspective — looking east, you can see UP trains and Amtrak as they pass over Commerce Street, but because the roadway is elevated they appear to be at ground level, and nearly the same level as the elevated Interstate 30 and 35 interchange.
The Big Show in Big D With nary a horn blast as they
pass through the heart of downtown, trains on the Dallas Sub go practically unnoticed. But once you’re aware of them, it becomes a fascinating exercise to trace their route in this part of Big D. With a number of rail carriers on the same tracks and backdrops unique to Dallas, the photographic and operating possibilities are numerous indeed.
ABOVE LEFT: On a sunny November 2, 2013, a westbound DGNO transfer crosses Lenway Street just east of Forest Avenue. The train has a long string of finished lumber loads, boxcars, and other rolling stock from UP’s Miller Yard. LEFT: On February 1, 2006, just west of Inwood Road in Dallas, a westbound TRE train streaks over Knights Branch on a sizeable concrete trestle. The busiest time for TRE trains is during the morning and afternoon commute rushes, with trains running about every 20-30 minutes in each direction.
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