Statewide Transportation Enhancement Program
Statewide Transportation Enhancement Project Examples |
Category 7: Rehabilitation
and Operation of Historic Transportation Buildings, Structures, or
Facilities, including Historic Railroad Facilities and Canals.
Project Name: Texas State Railroad Renovation, Phase 1 and 2 Location: City of Palestine and City of Rusk Project Description: Unique in its nature, the circa 1893 Texas State Railroad is owned by the State of Texas while operated and maintained by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The Texas State Railroad serves as a state historical park providing the public with interpretation and education about the operation of an historic railroad. Visitors to the park have an opportunity to ride a steam train, visit with the engineer, and tour the depot. The line runs from Rusk to Palestine in East Texas' pineywoods. The railroad has been selected for Enhancement funding twice. The first project approved for funding was for the rehabilitation and replacement of nine wooden trestle railroad bridges. The second project entailed a more comprehensive rehabilitation of various sections of the line, ties, roadbed and bridges, as well as replacement of boilers on steam locomotives, some dating back to 1901. For more information about the historic railroad, visit the TPWD website. District or Division: Tyler District Federal Funds: (Total of two projects) $9,000,000 (click on a photo to see an enlarged version) Example Project #2 Project Name: Rehabilitation of Historic Santa Fe Railroad Temple Depot and Grounds Location: City of Temple Project Description: Completed in 1914, this depot served as the Southern Division Headquarters for the Santa Fe Railroad. The depot's exterior and interior were restored for reuse to house Amtrak, Temple's transit system, ride-to-work program and a railroad museum. Additionally, funding was approved for the city to restore the historic depot grounds to provide landscaping with native plants, pedestrian trails with amenities, lighting, fountain restoration, railroad exhibits and informational kiosks. Facilities will be ADA accommodating. The depot sits on the original depot grounds covering more than eight acres, including the historic gardens. District or Division: Waco District Federal Funds: (two projects) $3,342,668 (click on a photo to see an enlarged version) Project Name: Canadian River Wagon Bridge Renovation Location: City of Canadian Project Description: In 1888, a principally wooden bridge was constructed over the Canadian River. Soon following in 1916, a 2,635 feet steel bridge was constructed after the earlier wooden structure was washed away. After this second attempt to ford the river failed due to flood, a third bridge was constructed of steel in 1924, lengthening the distance spanned to 3,255 feet. This third bridge, one of the longest multiple overhead truss bridges in Texas, has been renovated for pedestrian and bicyclist use and is located just north of the City of Canadian on U.S.60/83. District or Division: Amarillo District Federal Funds: $605,624.79 (click on a photo to see an enlarged version) Click below to see another project category: |