Train tracks right off of Willowbend (Houston, Post: house, neighborhoods, subdivision)

[rupa124]

Are the trains tracks right behind the westwood subdivision and between 90 ever used? Why dont they just remove them? I am lloking at a McMansion on Woodhaven and the backyard backs to train tracks but they dont seem to be working (which is great because we have no backside neighbours)

[cubssoxfan]

Why dont they just remove them?

Better yet, why not a rail to trail conversion to add some much needed bicycle infrastructure?

[Corysk8r]

That section of track you are talking about is a spur of some sort (to re-route trains from the main track I would guess) and not used frequently, if at all. You are still in very close proximity to tracks that are used every night by long trains. (You cross these tracks on Willowbend just past Craighead heading toward Post Oak.) You will hear train noise, but thankfully no loud whistles.

[Eastender67]

Better yet, why not a rail to trail conversion to add some much needed bicycle infrastructure?

Stuff like that is not done around here because it makes too much sense and might benefit some citizens. Besides, if there's any room whatsoever to put up a bunch of those cheap 3-story firetraps like near those near the Washington Ave area the developers will want (and get) that property should it become available.

[Bike4Life]

Actually, it's still a working railroad track but rarely used. I almost never see them cross the road and when they do what appears to be at around 7:30 AM, they are exchanging some cars to some low-industrial areas further down. The interruption is very short with about 2 or 3 cars in tow.

Keep in mind that the main railroad nearby also goes through some of the finest neighborhoods in Houston. And, you can consider this as a bargaining tool to get a good deal and lower property taxes someday.

[jfre81]

I doubt that given the sudden power play between the railroad owners and local governments looking for the quickest route to bringing people commuter rail that these are gonna get pulled up. I do see freight trains on this line fairly often and have waited for them more than once on Willowbend or Bellfort. They never seen to blow the whistles.

If you hear train whistles coming from here you're hearing them from down south. If it's that loud inside the house then you have poor insulation. And I would be losing more sleep over the electric bills than any train.