Savannah station (Amtrak)

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.

Savannah, GA
General information
Location2611 Seaboard Coastline Drive
Savannah, Georgia
United States
Coordinates32.0836°N 81.1486°W / 32.0836; -81.1486
Owned bySavannah Economic Development Authority
Line(s)Savannah Subdivision
Platforms1 side platform, 1 island platform
Tracks3
Construction
ParkingYes
AccessibleYes
Other information
Station codeAmtrak: SAV
History
Opened1962[1]
Passengers
FY 202248,796[2] (Amtrak)
Services
Preceding station Amtrak Following station
Jesup
toward Miami
 Silver Meteor Yemassee
toward New York
Terminus Palmetto
Jacksonville
toward Miami
 Silver Star Denmark
toward New York
     Auto Train does not stop here
Former services
Preceding station Amtrak Following station
Jacksonville
toward Miami
 Palmetto
(2002–2004)
 Charleston
toward New York
Preceding station Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Following station
Wathourville
toward Tampa
 Main Line Yemassee
toward Richmond

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.

Savannah Amtrak Station - interior mural

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 accessible requirements.

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 diverge from the Silver Star line. While the Silver Star turns inland to serve Columbia, South Carolina and Cary and Raleigh, North Carolina, the Palmetto and Silver Meteor stay closer to the coast to serve Florence and Charleston, South Carolina. The trains do not converge 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."

See also

References
  1. Savannah, Georgia; Great American Stations (Amtrak)
  2. "Amtrak Fact Sheet, Fiscal Year 2022: State of Georgia" (PDF). Amtrak. June 2023. Retrieved August 30, 2023.
  3. "Savannah, GA (SAV)". Amtrak. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.