Savannah station (Amtrak)

Savannah
Location 2611 Seaboard Coastline Drive
Savannah, GA 31401
Coordinates 32°05′01″N 81°08′55″W / 32.0836°N 81.1486°W / 32.0836; -81.1486Coordinates: 32°05′01″N 81°08′55″W / 32.0836°N 81.1486°W / 32.0836; -81.1486
Owned by Savannah Economic Development Authority
Line(s)
  Palmetto
  Silver Meteor
  Silver Star
Platforms 1 side platform, 1 island platform
Tracks 3
Construction
Parking Yes (overnight)
Disabled access Yes
Other information
Station code SAV
History
Opened 1962[1]
Traffic
Passengers (2013) 71,658[2] Decrease 0.9%
Services
Preceding station   Amtrak   Following station
toward Miami
Silver Meteor
TerminusPalmetto
toward Miami
Silver Star

Savannah station is an Amtrak train station in Savannah, Georgia. The station was built in 1962 to replace the older Savannah Union Station, torn down for construction of I-16. Located at 2611 Seaboard Coastline Drive,[3] the station consists of a terminal building on the east side of the north-south tracks, with a platform between the tracks.

History

The station was constructed in 1962 by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, with funds channeled through the Georgia Ports Authority, to the City of Savannah, as part of the re-development requiring the removal of Savannah Union Station, to facilitate construction of Interstate 16 into the downtown area. The agreement provides for all tenant roads and/or successor carriers, use of the facility, in exchange for agreeing to the move. This would apply to carrier trains, like CSX inspection trains, occasional GrandLuxe tour trains, and even infrequent visits by the Sam Shortline Specials from Vidalia and Cordele.

Architecture

Savannah station is an example of Modernist architecture. Unlike the Spanish-Renaissance and Elizabethan revival styles of the former Union Station, which reflect on past traditions, the current station's design conforms to the architectural traditions of its own time. With the station being constructed during the height of racial segregation, there were two sets of restrooms - one for white and another for colored. In 2014, the set of restrooms closest to the tracks were renovated to accommodate ADA requirements, but as of October 2015, they have not yet been opened for use. The existing restrooms cannot accommodate wheelchairs.

Operation

Savannah is served by the trains of Amtrak's Silver Service, as well as infrequent passage/parking of a variety of inspection, business, and excursion tour specials, and the occasional private car charter. It is the southern terminus of the Palmetto route and is along the Silver Star and Silver Meteor routes. North of Savannah, the Palmetto and Silver Meteor route diverges from the Silver Star line not converging again until Selma, North Carolina.

Unlike Savannah Union Station, this station does not require back-up moves, saving some operational time at the expense of having fewer tracks accessible to passengers.

The terminal offers ticketing, checked baggage, Amtrak Express shipping, and shipping services. It also contains a pedestrian tunnel that's marked as a "subway."

References

  1. ↑ Savannah, Georgia; Great American Stations (Amtrak)
  2. ↑ "Amtrak Fact Sheet, FY2013, State of Georgia" (PDF). Amtrak. November 2013. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  3. ↑ "Savannah, GA (SAV)". Amtrak. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
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