13th Aug 2018

Two BNSF double stack intermodals pass each other at Union Station at 08.48. Whilst the west-bound train heads, well, west, the east-bound is approaching me with ES44C4 no. 7937 and C44-9W locomotives nos. 4367 and 5292 on the point.

I'm observing trains from the Micahel J. Haverty Bridge, previously known as the Freight House Pedestrian Bridge, a 7-panel Pratt through truss bridge built in Pensylvania in 1892. The most remarkable thing about this bridge is that it spent over 100 years elsewhere in Kansas City, close to the Missouri River, carrying the KC Suburban Belt Railroad. Abandoned in 1960 it could have quite easily have been scrapped, but instead found a new lease of life here at Union Station. Stretching 250 feet/76.2 metres across the tracks the bridge connects Union Station with the Freight House and Crossroads Districts in downtown KC. It also provides railfans with a great place to watch trains!