Fairport Train Viewing
The Fairport Perinton Partnership for a Better Community initiated the project in 2006, held focus groups with railfans, researched other such platforms in communities across the US and interviewed people involved in those projects, developed the design concepts and a pitch piece, and then gained the endorsement of the Village of Fairport for the project. Several revisions of the plan were made in the intervening 12 years. As of June 2020 the platform is open to railfans!
Visitor/rail-fan information
Fairport, N,Y., is 13 miles east of Rochester, along historic Erie Canal
Three tracks at the junction of CSX Rochester and West Shore Subdivisions
Up to 65 trains daily on the busy CSX line linking Chicago to NYC Metro Area and New England
Mix of transcontinental intermodal, manifest, auto, ethanol/crude oil, and grain traffic, plus eight Amtrak trains a day
Run through traffic with abundant mix of foreign motive power
65/55 mph speed limit and adjacent Main Street grade crossing - lots of horns and fast action
In the center of an historic, beautiful village with abundant dining and shopping opportunities
Numerous close recreational opportunities, including canal bike path and boat rentals, parks and playgrounds
The Construction of the platform
Click through the photos…
The platform provides a sanctioned, safe and covered location for rail-fans from near and far to gather to watch the action on this busy CSX Railroad line that links New York and New England to the Midwest and West Coast. Trespassing around their property is a significant issue for railroads, so CSX saw great value in this project and supported it with a grant to help make it possible.
funding for the project
The Partnership solicited donations from the Fairport Perinton Merchants Association ($30,000), Fairport Rotary ($2,500), and secured a $10,000 grant from CSX Corporation to help fund the $125,000 project. Recognizing the potential positive economic impact of this tourism initiative, the Fairport Office of Community and Economic Development and Village of Fairport funded the balance of the project. The Partnership’s Design Team provided all design elements and construction drawings.
