Jacksonville is however one of the best places to watch trains in the state of Florida. CSX, NS, Amtrak, FEC, and Tallyrand Terminal all have a presence here.
This city is the only major city in Florida that does not base it's existance on tourists. Jacksonville is an industrial city and a major seaport. That can only make it a major rail center.
We will break down Jax railroad by railroad and region.
NORTHWEST JAX
Some of the busiest rail activity can be found here. There are some areas that have crime problems. Please be aware of your surroundings.
From I-95, take the 20th Street Expressway / US 1 exit, weat / north. This is US 1. Head northward. The first point is the Amtrak Station on Clifford Ln. There are signs that will point you to the station from US 1.
AMTRAK
The station is on Clifford Ln. On the right day 8 trains stop here in 24 hours and also features frequent CSX action. The station is a modern facility and offers a great view of CSX and Amtrak Trains. Restrooms are also here. Roadrailers are dropped and picked up here. The station is a safe location even at night.
Amtrak also changes train crews at this location. The station also has facilities to unload and load boxcars for Amtraks Express business.
TO CSX & NS
Follow US 1 north, from the station. Ahead is SR 111. If you take a left, you will go over a large bridge. This bridge takes you over the CSX main, and NS's Simpson yard. This bridge offers a great view of both railroads. parking can be found at the foot of the bridge.
Continuing on SR 111, about two blocks is Old Kings Rd. A left turn will take you about 1 mile to the southern throat tracks of NS SImpson Yard. There is an area that you can park, but do not park close to the rail tracks, or enter the yard. FEC engines can be seen switching cars for NS. FEC & NS power can be seen at the engine facility. Most NS trains arriving roll through the yard, and drop off local cars in Simpson. Once this is done, the NS trains roll southward into FEC's yard about 10 miles away in south Jax. Most northbound NS trains actually originate in FEC's Bowdon yard. Again the local pickup is in Simpson, and they head northbound.
NS traffic has picked up and usually there is not a long wait for a train. The best action is in mid morning and somtimes in the afternoon. Roadrailers are also based out of here.
NS and FEC have intergrated thier operations here. This has provided for an effecient and smooth operation. CSX has a east west line throuigh here crossing Simpson Yard's switching leads. This line connects to the CSX main, just east of NS, and is also used for interchange.
If you follow Old Kings Rd back north, and cross SR 111 and take a side road known as Edgewood Lane, it will take you to the north end of Simpson Yard. Here you can ge neat shots of northbounds, and the roadrailer trains. The CSX main is about 200 yards east of here, so you can also catch action on that line. NS Police patrols here but as long as you stay off of the property they are friendly and will sometimes give you RR pins.
FREQ
160.950
160.245
MONCREIF YARD
Follow the directions above to Simpson Yard except keep going south on Old Kings Road. You will cross the NS line pass Simpson Yards shops and a wye. Moncrief Yard's northern throat tracks are seen at the end of the road. Here a grade crossing was taken out in the late 1990's that once crossed 8 tracks. The road now dead ends to the yard. A good place to watch CSX switching and trains departing or arriving. Area is relatively safe but isolated. Be aware of your surroundings. CSX crews are friendly as long as you do not tresspass.
If you follow the side roads around you can see the CSX engine terminal at Moncreif off of McDuff Road. Not a real photogenic area but you can see some power tied up.
FREQ
160.590
161.100
This tower was closed and leveled a few years ago. It is in an area of town that has it's share of crime problems, so it is recomended, if you go, use caution, and be aware of your surroundings. The tower was under the US 90, Beaver Street overpass, just northwest of downtown. About a block north of where it was, it is possible to get a CSX, NS and FEC train in the same shot. All three converge here. Amtrak trains also roll through. Just north of here is a pedestrian overpass, that allows a nice look into the yard, and the NS, and FEC tracks.
Just south of here, the lines deverge. CSX splits, west, and south. FEC heads southeast. It can be a busy place, but again, use caution in this area.
FREQS
160.95 NS
160.59 CSX
161.10 CSX
160.53 FEC
CSX has an intermodal yard, west of I-295, north of I -10. Follow on I-295 to you find Prichard Dr. Get off at that exit, and head west. The overpass allows an excellent view of the intermodal yard. This is built on one of the newest pieces of railroad in the state. Over 10 miles of new line, plus a yard was constructed in the late 1980's. The line connects to CSX north of Jax, and also connects to the east west CSX line, just south of Beaver Street, and west of I-295. This line is known as the Dinsmore Connection. It allows intermodal trains to bypass the congested yards of downtown.
WEST JAX YARD.
This yard is nothing as it once was. It has basically closed in the late 1980's as the Dinsmore Connection opened up. Other operations were consoldated in other yards. The yard is used for storage of business cars and other misc. equipment. Sometimes the CSX business train can be seen here.
The CSX dispatch center is located in a former roundhouse.
In it's hayday, this facility also featured locomotve shops, in addition to the yard. The yard can be reached by taking Beaver Street to SR 111. The yard runs from here east to McDuff ave. Some of the side roads will allow views of the business cars parked there. If you contact CSX's PR department tours can sometimes be had of the facility.
FREQS
160.590
161.100
TROUT RIVER BRIDGE
This unique bridge is hand cranked into position when needed. It is located on the Trout River near the Jacksonville Zoo. An old abandoned highway bridge allows a nice look at the CSX movable span.
The route is not real busy but sometimes trains rumble by near mid day.
BALDWIN YARD
Baldwin Yard is a rather large facility located off of US 301 just south of I-10 about 15 miles west of downtown. Most power can be seen from the back of the fast food restruants that are there. Busy yard, lost of power, and some of your best chances of seeing something unusal.
BALDWIN TOWER
This old unused tower guards the where the two CSX lines cross in Baldwin. To see the tower take the side roads south of US 90 and east of US 301. The tower is easily found but it's days are numbered. .
A nice look of FEC's massive drawspan can be had from the parking lot of the Prudential building on the south side of the river. Other views can be had from the walkway on the Acosta Bridge. Many trains can be seen at any time. NS and CSX power also seen. A note, some fans have reported that Prudential Security has asked them to leave. I have never had a problem there in years, just keep a low profile. Best on weekends.
FREQ FEC 160.530
EAST JACKSONVILLE TALLYRAND AVE
If you want to get a look at the Tallyrand Terminal switchers take the 20th street expressway to the Tallyrand Terminal Exit near East 8th street. Follow east a few blocks to Tallyrand Ave. Go north About 1 mile or so, the Tallyrand Terminal switchers are visible on the left, if they are parked. If you go south, CSX's Export Yard is on your left about 1 mile south.
SKYWAY EXPRESS
Transit fans might want to check out the Skyway Express operated by the JTA. The system is an automated monorail featuring remote 2 car trains. The system runs around downtown is is 2.3 miles in length. It cross the St. Johns River over the Acosta Bridge.
BOWDON YARD
FEC's Bowdon Yard can been seen off of US 1 between Bowdon Road and Bay Meadows Road. Both roads offer overpasses for views. FEC's yard office can be accessed via a side road near a large FEC water tower. Sometimes if you ask they will let you get some good pics. But ASK first.
FREQ FEC 160.530
US 1 SOUTH TO ST. AUGUSTINE
This features some of the best pacing in the state. You can pace FEC trains about 25 miles to St. Agustine.
FREQ 160.530
SAFETY FIRST
Remember, Jacksonville is a big city. There are some parts of town, especially near Beaver Street that you should watch yourself. Outside of Beaver Street most places here are safe, but again always be alert.
RETURN TO HOME PAGE