Abandoned Rails of

Lake Charles, Louisiana

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Lake Charles Union Station Spur: Lake Charles former Union Station had its own dedicated spur from which the Kansas City Southern gained access to the station. It has long been abandoned.

Lake Charles Missouri Pacific Station Spur: The MP also had a Lake Charles station at one time, though it and the track apparently disappeared decades ago. This branch in turn connected to the line that serves the Port of Lake Charles.

Freight Transfer Line: This line connected the MP and SP in pre-merger days. Some time after the SP-UP merger, the line was likely removed since all impacted lines were now part of the UP.

*Lake Charles Union Station Spur:* While the Kansas City Souther... — **Lake Charles Union Station Spur:** While the Kansas City Southern still has several active freight spurs in the vicinity of Lake Charles, LA, the spur serving their passenger station has long been abandoned. The end of active tracks in Westlake, LA marks the beginning of the abandoned passenger spur. The Calcasieu River is just beyond; no trace of the bridge remains. Photo by Mike Palmer, 8/1/2011.

*Lake Charles Union Station:* Station area in Lake Charles facin... — **Lake Charles Union Station:** Station area in Lake Charles facing north; note rail remnants. I-10 overpass was for this long gone rail spur. Photo by Mike Palmer, 8/1/2011.

*Missouri Pacific Freight Spur:* View from former jct with SP (n... — **Missouri Pacific Freight Spur:** View from former jct with SP (now UP) Sunset Route, at Franklin Street, near a small UP yard. View faces east; the spur had swung around to the right in the grassy area in the middle distance. Photo by Mike Palmer, 8/27/2011.

*Missouri Pacific Freight Spur:* View along 1st Avenue; facing n... — **Missouri Pacific Freight Spur:** View along 1st Avenue; facing north. Notice paved-over section; the I-10 bridge is in the distance. Photo by Mike Palmer, 8/27/2011.

View along 1st Avenue and 3rd Street, facing south. Photo by Mike Palmer, 8/27/2011.

*Missouri Pacific Station Spur:* Facing southeast from the stati... — **Missouri Pacific Station Spur:** Facing southeast from the station area, toward Hodges Street. It is not known if the large cement base, sitting at an angle in the grass, once had a railroad use. Photo by Mike Palmer, 8/27/2011.

*Missouri Pacific Station Spur:* Facing south where the line ent... — **Missouri Pacific Station Spur:** Facing south where the line entered Common Street for street running. Photo by Mike Palmer, 8/27/2011.

*Missouri Pacific Station Spur:* Facing southeast at 11th/Common... — **Missouri Pacific Station Spur:** Facing southeast at 11th/Common, where the line curved to join the Port of Lake Charles branch. That branch is still active and runs in front of the Kroger store in the distance. Note cement base at corner — perhaps a former grade crossing signal? Photo by Mike Palmer, 8/27/2011.

Historical picture of the former KCS Lake Charles Union Station,... — Historical picture of the former KCS Lake Charles Union Station, taken in the early part of the 1980s. Photo by David Currey.

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