Area Description
Tucked behind a gas station and the Univeristy of Minnesota's Transit Way is a tiny strip of land. This parcel is triangular in shape and parallels the BNSF Railway's St. Paul subdivision.
A wide swath of "natural" grass clearly separates the right-of-way and this photo location. The unlevel contour at either end of this area provides height to not let the tall grass ruin your shot.
While I have never been approached here, by law enforcement or transit officials, plenty have driven past. To the west (or left in the panoramic) is a path used by pedestrians to cross the tracks.
A useful piece of information: the eastbound signal at Union Jct (close to the Saint''s stadium) can be seen from this location.
This mainline is operated by BNSF Railway dispatchers and primarily sees BNSF traffic. Canadian Pacific sends several long-distance trains and the CP-BN Transfer past here. Occasionally, the Union Pacific reaches the Hinckley sub or the CP trackage along here as well. A wide variety of power is common, be it pool power from railroads or leased units. Photography Tips This location is almost as prime of a spot throughout the year, as it is the entire day.
Any time of year the morning is complimentary. While only eastbounds should be shot here in the a.m., a curve leading into a straight away makes sunrise shots easy to get.
Conversely, westbounds on a straight section of rail can be photographed here until sunset.
Depending upon the time of year, the midday opportunities are variable. Mid-summer shots are ruined as the sun rises high enough to be on the other side of the tracks.
A wide swath of "natural" grass clearly separates the right-of-way and this photo location. The unlevel contour at either end of this area provides height to not let the tall grass ruin your shot.
While I have never been approached here, by law enforcement or transit officials, plenty have driven past. To the west (or left in the panoramic) is a path used by pedestrians to cross the tracks.
A useful piece of information: the eastbound signal at Union Jct (close to the Saint''s stadium) can be seen from this location.
This mainline is operated by BNSF Railway dispatchers and primarily sees BNSF traffic. Canadian Pacific sends several long-distance trains and the CP-BN Transfer past here. Occasionally, the Union Pacific reaches the Hinckley sub or the CP trackage along here as well. A wide variety of power is common, be it pool power from railroads or leased units. Photography Tips This location is almost as prime of a spot throughout the year, as it is the entire day.
Any time of year the morning is complimentary. While only eastbounds should be shot here in the a.m., a curve leading into a straight away makes sunrise shots easy to get.
Conversely, westbounds on a straight section of rail can be photographed here until sunset.
Depending upon the time of year, the midday opportunities are variable. Mid-summer shots are ruined as the sun rises high enough to be on the other side of the tracks.
Area Photos
Directions
From the East
Drive east on Energy Park Drive (EPD). You can get to EPD via Lexington Parkway, Snelling Avenue or Raymond Avenue.
At the intersection of EPD and Raymond, park in the strip mall parking lot where Bruegger's Bagels and the Marathon gas station are located.
At the intersection of EPD and Raymond, park in the strip mall parking lot where Bruegger's Bagels and the Marathon gas station are located.
From the West
From either MN 280 north or south, exit on the Kasota/Energy Park Drive exit. Head east (from the southbound 280, take a right). The first stoplight you will come to is the UofM Transit Way. To the left will be the gas station and parking lot.
From the North
Drive south on Raymond Avenue. When you cross under the old girder railroad bridge, take a right at the stoplight. The gas station will be on the right. Park here.
From the South
If you arrive from Raymond Avenue, once you cross over the Midway sub and Minnesota Commercial's yard, continue to the next stoplight. Take a right. You will not be able to miss the gas station.
This entry was last read June 27, 2008 at 2:26 pm
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