Return to Denver Union Station

[railiner]

I reeeeeealy hope that something nicer is in store for the actual inside station room and waiting area. I understand that just about all of the former waiting room and station is re-purposed for the hotel and retail space, but if what is pictured above is the new permanent Amtrak station, Denver really just screwed the pooch. A windowless, funny-shaped florescent-lit dungeon that just screams uncomfortable to me. If its temporary, I can understand to a degree. Denver could, and should, do better after spending the millions they have on this jewel of a terminal.

The Waiting area is very temporary.

I should hope that waiting room shown is temporary.....I could just imagine what would happen if due to delays, both Zephyr's are at the station together.....I'd bet some of the overflow passengers would 'migrate' over to the adjacent plush hotel lobby to wait.....

 

[Eric S]

Never been to Denver by train so I am confused here- how many different types of trains is this station going to serve? Is it three?

1) Regular Amtrak - Superliner, low level platforms

2) Some light rail (RTD?) low level platforms

3) Some commuter rail with high level platforms similar to NE Corridor?

Is this correct? If so, where will 2) and 3) each go to?

(2) is somewhat removed from the core Union Station area, roughly 2 city blocks northwest, along the freight mainline. The light rail line/station/platform was constructed (or reconstructed?) a couple of years ago IIRC. (1) and (3) will be (or now are) next to the historic Union Station building. I think it was mentioned earlier that Tracks 1-3 are high level for commuter rail and Tracks 4 and 5 are low level for Amtrak. Not sure how many tracks/platforms there are, or whether the light rail tracks/platforms are numbered as well.

 

[bgiaquin]

https://www.google.com/maps/@39.7545592,-105.0019997,805m/data=!3m1!1e3 google map of Union station. It clearly shows were the light rail and commuter rail/ Amtrak platforms are and how they are separate.

 

[neroden]

There are eight stub-end tracks numbered from the station outward.

It's a bit confusing, because there are four platforms. Two of the tracks -- #3 and #6 -- are on "bay" platforms. Final platform allocations for Gold Line & NW Rail seem to be undecided, as I've seen several different versions.

Here's the diagram. The bumping blocks are on the left.

(PLATFORM)

Track 8 (Gold Line / NW Rail)

Track 7 (Gold Line / NW Rail)

(PLATFORM) Track 6 (Gold Line / NW Rail)

PLATFORM

Track 5 (Specials, Amtrak)

SERVICE PLATFORM

Track 4 (Amtrak)

PLATFORM

(PLATFORM) Track 3 (spare)

Track 2 (North Metro)

Track 1 (East Metro)

PLATFORM

STATION BUILDING

All the platforms are at (roughly) the same height, but the *tracks* aren't. Tracks 4 and 5 are elevated above the other tracks, so that they have "low level boarding", while tracks 1-3 and 6-8 have "high level boarding".

When the hotel construction is finished in June, the Great Hall will become the waiting room for Amtrak again.

 

[neroden]

Is the platform level boarding with the Superliners its whole length? It kind of looks like it's only level in one segment there in the last pic.

Bizarrely, they seem to have level "mini-highs" for some cars (and not others). This seems like the result of a miscalculation to me.

The rest of it is still very very close to boarding level, though; less than the height of one step on a normal staircase. I haven't been there, but looking at it, I think this might only be a 3 inch difference. People with canes and so forth will have no problem. At spots without the mini-highs, people in wheelchairs will probably need a small bridgeplate/ramp, but shouldn't need a lift.

I would say "This should save a lot of time on boarding", but the train sits for a long time at Denver anyway so it probably doesn't matter. :-/

I'm glad to hear that people are allowed to wait on the benches on the platform. As it should be.

Worth noting: although it will probably never happen, if Amtrak ever needs to run single-level equipment to Denver, it could theoretically be platformed in tracks 1-3 or 6-8 and have level boarding. The "commuter rail" which is using tracks 1-3 and 6-8 is basically the same rolling stock as what SEPTA uses in Philadelphia (including electrification), and SEPTA stops along the Northeast and Keystone Corridors are shared with Amtrak.

 

[getbent]

Is there any parking whatsoever at the station? We'll be taking the CZ at the end of the month and will be dropped off/picked up based on what the autocall from Amtrak told us about parking. I guess I assumed it would still have a mini-lot like the temp station had. I might rethink our plans regarding getting to the station if that's the case.

 

[PRR 60]

Is there any parking whatsoever at the station? We'll be taking the CZ at the end of the month and will be dropped off/picked up based on what the autocall from Amtrak told us about parking. I guess I assumed it would still have a mini-lot like the temp station had. I might rethink our plans regarding getting to the station if that's the case.

It appears there is some accommodation for drop off and pick-up, but not for parking.

Here is what Amtrak says:

Drop-off and Pick-up Only: Parking Not Available

Although there is no passenger parking at the new location, there are numerous long and short-term parking lots and garages around Union Station. For more information on where to park, visit http://www.downtowndenver.com/getting-around/driving-and-parking.

 

[getbent]

Thanks!

I'm used to parking down there for Rockies games, so I'm thinking I might consider just parking myself and avoiding the "mom guilt" factor if our train comes in late on our return and my mother has to find a place to park.

 

[eblkheart]

There's a parking garage right across the street from the station (1600 Wynkoop). Small, it worked out friday night.

 

[getbent]

Thanks!

That might work for her. Since posting, I remembered we are returning via coach and I might not have all my faculties about me when we arrive at 7AM for the 2 hour drive home.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

Seems like having a cell phone waiting lot would help make pickup/dropoff a bit more practical.

 

[getbent]

Since LoDo has many a free parking lot just outside of it (not IN LoDo), I imagine we're going to play it by ear rather easily. I can call when we're close and she can be ready. Heck, I can call when we get off the train. For instance, once you go over the bridge at Speer Blvd, there is a Starbucks nearby with handy parking and coffee to be had. I hazard she could even, since it is still winter, loiter down by Elitch's (the local amusement park) with no problem.

I think Denver lucks out that, although LoDo is tight on parking, there are plenty of parking opportunities just outside of it. Yes, it is not as convenient as a waiting parking lot, but I imagine it's not as bad as in much larger cities.

 

[Notelvis]

eblkheart -

Thanks for the pictures..... I am looking forward to seeing DUS fully reopened and with the various commuter train platforms in full use. I am sure that I will be using the line from the airport to Union Station in the not too distant future.

One question - where is this new Amtrak ticket office in relation to the original DUS waiting room?

 

[railiner]

Is the platform level boarding with the Superliners its whole length? It kind of looks like it's only level in one segment there in the last pic.

Bizarrely, they seem to have level "mini-highs" for some cars (and not others). This seems like the result of a miscalculation to me.

The rest of it is still very very close to boarding level, though; less than the height of one step on a normal staircase. I haven't been there, but looking at it, I think this might only be a 3 inch difference. People with canes and so forth will have no problem. At spots without the mini-highs, people in wheelchairs will probably need a small bridgeplate/ramp, but shouldn't need a lift.

I would say "This should save a lot of time on boarding", but the train sits for a long time at Denver anyway so it probably doesn't matter. :-/

I'm glad to hear that people are allowed to wait on the benches on the platform. As it should be.

Worth noting: although it will probably never happen, if Amtrak ever needs to run single-level equipment to Denver, it could theoretically be platformed in tracks 1-3 or 6-8 and have level boarding. The "commuter rail" which is using tracks 1-3 and 6-8 is basically the same rolling stock as what SEPTA uses in Philadelphia (including electrification), and SEPTA stops along the Northeast and Keystone Corridors are shared with Amtrak.

While Amtrak single-level equipment could "in theory" be platformed on those high level platforms, I would say that "in practice", the RTD would probably take a dim view of Amtrak trains with their often erratic timekeeping sharing their tracks.....

Amtrak single level cars do have traps, so they could use Amtrak's own low level platforms....

 

[railiner]

How will the switches be controlled at the station....will there be a new tower built with a train director like there used to be previously>

 

[bgiaquin]

How will the switches be controlled at the station....will there be a new tower built with a train director like there used to be previously>

Switches will be controlled by the RTD dispatcher.

 

[eblkheart]

eblkheart -

Thanks for the pictures..... I am looking forward to seeing DUS fully reopened and with the various commuter train platforms in full use. I am sure that I will be using the line from the airport to Union Station in the not too distant future.

One question - where is this new Amtrak ticket office in relation to the original DUS waiting room?

It's literally would be next door to it or real close to it. It's south of the main room.

 

[railiner]

How will the switches be controlled at the station....will there be a new tower built with a train director like there used to be previously>

Switches will be controlled by the RTD dispatcher.

In the old days, the station was the property of the Denver Union Terminal Railway Company, the tracks were governed by the Interlocking Rules of that company, and the Train Director's were employed by that company, in their tower. It seems strange to hear of an "RTD Dispatcher", but it makes sense....

Just curious how it will be controlled...will there be a "tower" at the depot, or remotely controlled from some other RTD facility?

 

[railiner]

How will the switches be controlled at the station....will there be a new tower built with a train director like there used to be previously>

Switches will be controlled by the RTD dispatcher.

In the old days, the station was the property of the Denver Union Terminal Railway Company, the tracks were governed by the Interlocking Rules of that company, and the Train Director's were employed by that company, in their tower. It seems strange to hear of an "RTD Dispatcher", but it makes sense....

Just curious how it will be controlled...will there be a "tower" at the depot, or remotely controlled from some other RTD facility?

Just refreshing this thread to see if anyone know's the answer to my question.......

 

[MikefromCrete]

I don't know anything for sure, but towers have gone out of fashion. Most dispatchers work in windowless rooms surrounded by computer screens, some are even underground "bunkers."

 

[neroden]

I believe that the RTD dispatchers are supposed to operate out of a "bunker" room in the basement of Denver Union Station -- probably on the east side. That was the last I heard, though it was several years ago so plans may have changed.

It seems like an excellent choice for many reasons.

RTD doesn't own very many buildings, and most of them aren't next to the railway lines, so it was Union Station or the new maintenance depot -- and the maintenance depot is on a very congested site which is smaller than RTD wanted it to be. Since all the new lines go to Union Station, it rather simplifies the laying of signal and communications cables, since they can all run from the end of their respective lines straight along until they reach Union Station. Part of the visible construction work in the past years involved digging a trench and installing cable ducts underneath the east end of the tracks, leading to the basement of the station on the east side.

Union Station is the logical location. If it's necessary to do funny things like holding trains for buses or vice versa, the dispatchers are close enough to have good, high-bandwidth communications with everyone involved. It keeps the dispatchers close to the most critical transfer point and chokepoint for the system. Given the proximity, the dispatchers will probably have video monitors watching the station tracks, and can even send someone out to find out what's going on if necessary.

 

[eblkheart]

More information about what business will be inside Union Station here in Denver. I have to say, damn impressed.

http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/real_deals/2014/03/final-lineup-of-new-denver-union-station-retailers.html

 

[jimhudson]

Any talk or plans for a Metro Lounge or First Class Waiting Area for Amtrak Passengers?

 

[railiner]

More information about what business will be inside Union Station here in Denver. I have to say, damn impressed.

http://www.bizjournals.com/denver/blog/real_deals/2014/03/final-lineup-of-new-denver-union-station-retailers.html

Interesting mix of businesses...notice no major franchises included...wonder if they discouraged them, or the chains didn't think it would work for them.....

 

[railiner]

I believe that the RTD dispatchers are supposed to operate out of a "bunker" room in the basement of Denver Union Station -- probably on the east side. That was the last I heard, though it was several years ago so plans may have changed.

It seems like an excellent choice for many reasons.

RTD doesn't own very many buildings, and most of them aren't next to the railway lines, so it was Union Station or the new maintenance depot -- and the maintenance depot is on a very congested site which is smaller than RTD wanted it to be. Since all the new lines go to Union Station, it rather simplifies the laying of signal and communications cables, since they can all run from the end of their respective lines straight along until they reach Union Station. Part of the visible construction work in the past years involved digging a trench and installing cable ducts underneath the east end of the tracks, leading to the basement of the station on the east side.

Union Station is the logical location. If it's necessary to do funny things like holding trains for buses or vice versa, the dispatchers are close enough to have good, high-bandwidth communications with everyone involved. It keeps the dispatchers close to the most critical transfer point and chokepoint for the system. Given the proximity, the dispatchers will probably have video monitors watching the station tracks, and can even send someone out to find out what's going on if necessary.

I know if I was a Dispatcher, or Train Director, I would rather be in a tower where I could directly see what was happening, then being down in some high-tech dungeon.....