General Description: Bloomsbury Ave has cut off the existing railroad bed when a tunnel collapsed in years past. Currently the trail would have to come up a grade to get to grade to cross Bloomsbury Ave. There is no existing dirt trail in this entire section.
On the east side of Bloomsbury Ave there are 6 - 8" trees which would need to be removed along with extensive brushing for the first 600' to where the tracks crossed Asylum Lane at grade. Asylum Lane must be used for this first 600 feet.
The rail continues along a grassy newly fenced storm water detention pond to the old rail bed which is running along Spring Grove property. This section to Wade Ave is in need of 6 - 8" tree removal.(probably chain saws would be best). There is also extensive multiflora rose in this section. There is a fence gate (sometimes locked) at 2040' from Bloomsbury Ave. Railroad ties and rails begin at 2250' and continue to 3730' ( at the Beltway ). There is a double rail for the last 115' which was placed to reduce the liklihood of a train derailment when the tracks were crossing a bridge (now removed ) across the Beltway.
The section from Wade Ave to the Beltway is completely overgrown and there is one spot where there been some erosion of the roadbed on a levee. Extensive clearing with chainsaws and extensive brushing will be required in this area.
There is 3190' of rail in this section. Wade Ave is in the middle of where the rails are located and would be the logical place for staging the rails for further loading and transport to the scrap yard. There are rail joiners, spikes and rail plates from this section. There are ties in this area which would also need to be removed.
Trail Description
Next: Paradise Ave to Shady Nook at the Beltway
Personal use is permitted as long as credit is given to Tom Bagg for photography.
Web quality photos posted, higher quality photos available.
Last Updated: July 30, 2008
Curator: Thomas C. Bagg, III,