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The RailYard at Tyler
Today, Tyler is served by one railroad, the Union Pacific, whose east-west trackage is active daily. The old Missouri-Pacific north-south route running from Troup to Mineola is only partially in use. The "diamond" crossing of these two railroads was at Tower 183 at the depot. A map of the intersection of these two railroads in downtown Tyler is shown below.
| Topo Map of the Railroads in Downtown Tyler - circa 1966 |
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Development of The RailYard at Tyler
There have been discussions about the development of the "Tyler Railway District", and "The RailYard at Tyler", on the north side of the Union Pacific Railroad tracks, in northeast downtown Tyler. The overall vision is to revitalize a once-integral industrial area of Tyler, and to develop a sustainable and inviting urban public space for recreational, entertainment, social, artistic, and commercial activities. At the same time, the proposed District would be a connection to Tyler's long-standing history of railroading, which dates back to the 1800s.
The RailYard at Tyler Master Plan envisions a development to be built between North Spring Avenue and North Beckham Avenue, with access from the existing Tyler Depot Museum building via a pedestrian walkway over the tracks. A centerpiece of the development would be the "Roundhouse Cafe" along with other trendy dining destinations. It would feature acres of open, green spaces and plazas, with sidewalks for walking and biking, and places for "train spotting".
Visitors and locals alike would enjoy numerous retail and shopping outlets, local Tyler boutiques, studios, and galleries. Heritage-inspired architectural design elements would be similar to the Tyler Depot, and Tyler's red brick streets, with a modern flair. The District would be the site of seasonal community festivals and events, complementing other Tyler downtown projects.
Development would involve the City of Tyler, the Union Pacific Railroad and multiple private and governmental entities and investors. Similar successful projects include developments such as the Rail District in Frisco Texas, the Central Shops District in Sacramento CA, the Railyard at Santa Fe NM, and others.
Map showing the location of the proposed "RailYard at Tyler" development in downtown Tyler, Texas
Scenes Around the Proposed RailYard at Tyler
Looking east from the diamond at the Cotton Belt Depot Museum toward the proposed site of The RailYard at Tyler development
For More About Tyler Railroading
Be sure to view Todd Sestero's excellent RailFan Guides of the US and Todd's Railroad Signals of the US websites for a wealth of railroading information about Tyler and other railroad sites across the United States.
Map of Tyler Railroads Today
 Todd Sestero's Railfan Guide to Tyler, Texas Created and owned by Rail Fans and Railroad Signals of the US, www.RailFanGuides.us For personal use only. Provided here with permission of the owner |
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