Santa Fe Junction
A railfan's dream, Santa Fe Junction is the sweet spot of Kansas City
train watching, the junction is the intersection point of the BNSF Transcon, UP's main line to St. Louis,
BNSF north-south line (ex-Frisco) and UP's Kansas City, KS line south to Texas (ex-Katy)
UP local rounds the bend at Santa Fe
Junction
Railfan Vantage Point:
25th & Genessee Streets - Several spots are available for the railfan near the
intersection of these streets. Much of the area is off limits and it is clearly marked. Venturing into these areas
will prompt a visit from the BNSF Police, as they are quite vigilant in this part of town. Parking along the city
streets is OK, however. Holmes Drywall Supply has a parking lot that gives a ringside seat to nearly all the
action, but should only be used after business hours and on weekends.
Train
Frequency:
Freight - 120+ trains a day
Amtrak - Eastbound Southwest Chief passes by shortly before its
arrival at Union Station at 7:24
am
Westbound Southwest Chief passes by shortly after its
departure from Union Station at 10:45
pm
The incoming Missouri River
Runner shows up shortly after unloading its passengers at 2:55 pm to turn around and head
back to Union Station. The evening Missouri River Runner does the same thing after unloading at 9:40
pm. These moves are done at street level or on the old High Line viaduct, depending on freight traffic at the
time.
What you'll
see:
90% of the same trains that pass by Union Station will pass through Santa Fe Junction. In
addition, there are transfer moves between BNSF Argentine Yard and the BNSF Murray Yard north of the river. These
are good opportunities to see former Santa Fe GE B-model locomotives and older Geeps. Transfer and run-through
trains from Norfolk Southern to UP yards in Kansas City, Kansas are also in the area. These trains usually have NS
and/or CSX power.
Security Concerns:
The
area is actively patrolled by BNSF police and less frequently by the Kansas City Missouri Police department. Being
in the area after dark is not recommended because it is an industrial setting and the authorities will think you
are up to something. In addition, the transients in the area usually are up to
something.
How to Get There:
From I-70 westbound - Exit onto I-670 and go west to the Wyoming Street exit (1B), cross Wyoming and go
one block to Genessee Street, which will be one-way south. Turn left and go toward Kemper Arena (a huge white
building), bear to the right and go less than a half mile to Genessee Street, turn right and follow to Santa Fe
Junction.
From I-70 Eastbound - Exit onto I-670 and go east to
the Genessee Street exit. Turn right and go toward Kemper Arena (a huge white building), bear to
the right and go less than a half mile to Genessee Street, turn right and follow to Santa Fe
Junction.
From Downtown - Get on 19th St and go west. This will curve
left and turn into Southwest Boulevard. Take a right at West 25th St (do not go under the overpass), then
take the first left (1/4 mile) This will take you under a rail line (limited visibilty, be careful !) and
follow this street to Santa Fe Junction. (the first tracks you cross will be the BNSF ex-Frisco
line)
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