rsb320 Posted January 28, 2015 Share Posted January 28, 2015 They are testing a double train on Rusk. A City of Houston Prius is double-parked on the tracks at Louisiana blocking it. The train is out there blowing its horn! LOL - 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonMidtown Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 There's a great video on YouTube called "Metro's Greatest Hits" from testing the line back in 2003. The number of people who made illegal left turns into the train is mindboggling. The same thing is happening at the Texas and Dowling Street corner (at BBVA Compass Stadium)....people are turning right on red, going across the tracks, while there is at least 1 "No Right Turn on Red" sign, a large lit-up No Right Turn sign up next to the stop light, plus the red stop light is a red arrow...a truck turned right in front of a train running a test a couple days ago... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
UtterlyUrban Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 They are testing a double train on Rusk. A City of Houston Prius is double-parked on the tracks at Louisiana blocking it. The train is out there blowing its horn! LOL - Please tell me you have a video of that to send to city council and every news outlet in town! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted January 29, 2015 Share Posted January 29, 2015 this is how they get you. they lull you into a false sense of security that breaking the law around the tracks is ok, then they send out the trains on the prowl. stalking the people who think they are safe to break the law, then the train pounces and ravages their car! This could be a nat geo special. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollusk Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 this is how they get you. they lull you into a false sense of security that breaking the law around the tracks is ok, then they send out the trains on the prowl. stalking the people who think they are safe to break the law, then the train pounces and ravages their car! This could be a nat geo special.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCfWHqrYUqo&ab_channel=cpdude927 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronTiger Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 this is how they get you. they lull you into a false sense of security that breaking the law around the tracks is ok, then they send out the trains on the prowl. stalking the people who think they are safe to break the law, then the train pounces and ravages their car!This could be a nat geo special.The automobile, in its native habitat, a road, is considered to be a predator to lesser road users, including pedestrians and bicyclists. To combat the overpopulation of cars, some cities have introduced trains into the wild to crash into, slow down, and confound cars. Others believe the train is an invasive species from overseas and try to prevent them from growing. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trae Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Saw them on campus yesterday at UH (sorry, no pics). All those students hoping the rail tracks trying to make a shortcut are going to have to find another way pretty soon. With the way people drive around UH, there will be many accidents unfortunately. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparrow Posted January 30, 2015 Share Posted January 30, 2015 Let's cross our fingers that all the red lights will be phased out after testing is completed. Thought I read somewhere that there will be no train preemption for the Green and Purple lines. How well are the lights timed on Capital and Rusk once you get a green light currently? Forget cars crashing into trains, what a joke we would be to have a multi-million dollar train Downtown that pedestrians can keep pace with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ricco67 Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 Here is the latest from the east line. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 If I were you, I'd send this video to METRO and tell them to watch from around the 10 minute mark when that METRO bus cuts off the truck in front of you by going straight on the right turn only lane. If they can't even get their bus drivers to follow the rules of the road, how do they expect other Houston drivers to follow them too? 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 Does anyone know when construction is expected to start on the bridge across the Pacific Rail line? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 Saw a driver narrowly miss being the first cause of collision 2 weeks ago. They were testing on a Saturday afternoon, I had just turned onto Rusk from Bagby. A random car turned from the second most right lane onto Milam from Rusk, cutting a few feet in front of the train that was out testing. Is there a over/under in Vegas for how many days before the first incident when this thing goes live? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 They need to do a media blitz on this now! Make sure that people understand how this works! They have a few months before it opens, so plenty of time to let people know. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nate99 Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 Let's cross our fingers that all the red lights will be phased out after testing is completed. Thought I read somewhere that there will be no train preemption for the Green and Purple lines. How well are the lights timed on Capital and Rusk once you get a green light currently? Forget cars crashing into trains, what a joke we would be to have a multi-million dollar train Downtown that pedestrians can keep pace with. When they run the double trains, they take up nearly a whole block too. A line of cars waiting to turn while pedestrians cross will have the train blocking the previous intersection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
urban909 Posted February 19, 2015 Share Posted February 19, 2015 (edited) Question: Will the eastbound train at ADLA/Rusk have signal priority where it cuts from the right lane and banks left to meet up w/ the westbound track? And awesome video ricco67! Edited February 19, 2015 by urban909 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 (edited) http://blogs.ridemetro.org/blogs/write_on/archive/2015/01/29/Board-Approves-Harrisburg-Overpass.aspx Board Approves Harrisburg OverpassThursday, January 29, 2015 3:58 PM The Board of Directors voted today to go forward with construction of the Harrisburg Overpass in the East End, awarding a contract to McCarthy Building Companies Inc. to build it. Edited February 22, 2015 by DrLan34 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollusk Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 Question: Will the eastbound train at ADLA/Rusk have signal priority where it cuts from the right lane and banks left to meet up w/ the westbound track? And awesome video ricco67! At the crossover on the other end of Rusk (next to the Hobby Center) there is a traffic signal and crossing bar setup. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j_cuevas713 Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 Why don't they switch these trains out for something a bit more less imposing? Like the light rail cars in Boston? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonMidtown Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 (edited) Does anyone know when construction is expected to start on the bridge across the Pacific Rail line? They broke ground yesterday...according to the report on Channel 2, it is supposed to take 18 months to complete, but they are offering incentives to get it finished faster Edited March 15, 2015 by HoustonMidtown 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 They broke ground yesterday...according to the report on Channel 2, it is supposed to take 18 months to complete, but they are offering incentives to get it finished faster Thanks for the update! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparrow Posted March 15, 2015 Share Posted March 15, 2015 Less than 4 weeks to go until start of service! Metro is still set to begin on April 11th, right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonMidtown Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 Article about the ground breaking for the overpass: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/life/article/Ground-breaking-of-Metro-overpass-unites-community-6134162.php?t=94af4f09a3&cmpid=twitter-premium Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted March 16, 2015 Share Posted March 16, 2015 It seems like they are going forward with the full bridge design. Unless anyone can correct me? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryDierker Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 It seems like they are going forward with the full bridge design. Unless anyone can correct me? Seems like it from the chron article linked above. He eventually agreed to a compromise that included extensive community involvement in the design and development; an overpass that would accommodate trains, motorists and pedestrians; and maintaining street access to surrounding businesses. "It's not just a bridge; it's going to be a landmark in the city," Metropolitan Transit Authority board member Diann Lewter said at a groundbreaking ceremony Saturday. Sounds cool.Both sides of the overpass will be adorned with references to the history of the East End and the bridge columns lit with blue LED lighting. A garden wall will follow the lower side of the bridge, a fitting tribute to Metro's "Green Line." Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tumbleweed_Tx Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 I was told they have to go over the tracks because the soil is too contaminated to dig under Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mfastx Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 "A landmark to the city...." Idk about that but alright lol. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jackie21love Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 "A landmark to the city...." Idk about that but alright lol. Well, it sounds like a new light rail overpass in Houston means Brooklyn bridge to NYC. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted March 17, 2015 Share Posted March 17, 2015 The Green line bridge will be the Golden Gate bridge of Houston. It will bring tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world each year. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 So apparently it's finally opening on May 23, according to swamplot. Anyone else looking forward to seeing it open after the Superbowl? 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Triton Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 This is such an awesome race between Block 334 and these light rail lines. I'm still going to bet the rail lines open first. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HoustonMidtown Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 (edited) They are running/testing the trains on the purple line big time - multiple trains go by my house continuously from 7:00ish in the morning until 9:00pm at night -- been doing this for a couple weeks now... Edited March 26, 2015 by HoustonMidtown Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Pragmatist Posted March 26, 2015 Share Posted March 26, 2015 (edited) This is such an awesome race between Block 334 and these light rail lines. I'm still going to bet the rail lines open first. I'm starting to think the high-speed line may beat all of them to the finish line... Edited March 26, 2015 by The Pragmatist 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MexAmerican_Moose Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 pathetic Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howard Huge Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 So apparently it's finally opening on May 23, according to swamplot. Anyone else looking forward to seeing it open after the Superbowl? I can personally guarantee you that there will be a line break somewhere on the route on May 22 that will set the whole thing back another year. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slick Vik Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 There are a certain number of hours the trains need to be tested calm down people. I also think it gives CAF an extra month to send as many train cars here as possible before opening date. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted March 27, 2015 Share Posted March 27, 2015 No Slick, we're entitled to delicate flower and moan just as Metro is entitled I push their dates back. And a month is not really going to change anything as per the number of trams; it's not like those are easy things to manufacture. *delicate flower Should be "female dog" 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrLan34 Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 http://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/news/mccarthy-breaks-ground-houston-metro-harrisburg-overpass The $27 million project will involve construction of a 2,400-linear-foot grade separation at the Houston Belt and Terminal (HBT) and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) railroad tracks located west of Hughes Road. It will include a bridge structure with aesthetic architectural features, two 16-foot wide vehicular traffic lanes, a 26-foot LRT guideway located in the center of the bridge structure, and two 5-foot wide emergency walkways on each side of the bridge. The project will also include aesthetic street lighting on top and underneath the structure, new storm drainage and 16-foot wide frontage roads and sidewalks with at-grade crossings over the HBT/UPRR railroad tracks. The overpass is set to be complete in only 12 months. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luminare Posted April 20, 2015 Share Posted April 20, 2015 http://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/news/mccarthy-breaks-ground-houston-metro-harrisburg-overpass The $27 million project will involve construction of a 2,400-linear-foot grade separation at the Houston Belt and Terminal (HBT) and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) railroad tracks located west of Hughes Road. It will include a bridge structure with aesthetic architectural features, two 16-foot wide vehicular traffic lanes, a 26-foot LRT guideway located in the center of the bridge structure, and two 5-foot wide emergency walkways on each side of the bridge. The project will also include aesthetic street lighting on top and underneath the structure, new storm drainage and 16-foot wide frontage roads and sidewalks with at-grade crossings over the HBT/UPRR railroad tracks. The overpass is set to be complete in only 12 months. Apparently its being done by "McCarthy's Texas Divison" which did grade separation on Wellborn Rd. in College Station. If thats the case they will do a good job. The one they did on Wellborn came out very nicely. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparrow Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 http://www.constructionbusinessowner.com/news/mccarthy-breaks-ground-houston-metro-harrisburg-overpass The $27 million project will involve construction of a 2,400-linear-foot grade separation at the Houston Belt and Terminal (HBT) and Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) railroad tracks located west of Hughes Road. It will include a bridge structure with aesthetic architectural features, two 16-foot wide vehicular traffic lanes, a 26-foot LRT guideway located in the center of the bridge structure, and two 5-foot wide emergency walkways on each side of the bridge. The project will also include aesthetic street lighting on top and underneath the structure, new storm drainage and 16-foot wide frontage roads and sidewalks with at-grade crossings over the HBT/UPRR railroad tracks. The overpass is set to be complete in only 12 months. "Emergency walkways"--people in other parts of the world call them sidewalks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cspwal Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 The implication to me was it's not supposed to be a pedestrian bridge - the pedestrians have to jump over the railroad tracks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigFootsSocks Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 Or they could, ya know, take the tram across..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IronTiger Posted April 21, 2015 Share Posted April 21, 2015 "Emergency walkways"--people in other parts of the world call them sidewalks. I think it's required by law, if the train breaks down or something. That's why there's usually walkways near roller coasters if it breaks down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparrow Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 http://www.ridemetro.org/News/RAILFEST.aspx RAILFEST to take place May 23rd at BBVA Compass Stadium to kick off the new light rail lines. Free tickets available at HEB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mollusk Posted May 13, 2015 Share Posted May 13, 2015 They've also plastered the sides of the rail cars with posters about this, so I suppose it's real unless some poor schlub stuffs a backhoe through the tracks again. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PeopleAreStrange Posted May 19, 2015 Share Posted May 19, 2015 How convenient - I was already planning to be in town this Memorial Day weekend. I plan on riding both lines the day they open. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LarryDierker Posted May 20, 2015 Share Posted May 20, 2015 How convenient - I was already planning to be in town this Memorial Day weekend. I plan on riding both lines the day they open. watch out for all the nerds at comicpalooza. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Slick Vik Posted May 22, 2015 Share Posted May 22, 2015 One day away 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samagon Posted May 22, 2015 Share Posted May 22, 2015 so the 'official' ribbon cutting is at 3 and 3:30 for these two lines, does that mean if I wanted to hop on one I can't until after 3, or just that this is the 'official' start? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkultra25 Posted May 23, 2015 Share Posted May 23, 2015 so the 'official' ribbon cutting is at 3 and 3:30 for these two lines, does that mean if I wanted to hop on one I can't until after 3, or just that this is the 'official' start? I believe I read in one of Metro's press releases that the new lines will be open for business at 7AM, and that folks wouldn't have to wait until the official kickoff to ride them. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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