We've come a long way!

It's been a bumpy road, with many twists and turns, but the historic, rehabilitated Salem Railroad Baggage Depot has new life. Thanks to a private donor, funds from the State Historic Preservation Office, the city of Salem and our federal partners, we're thrilled to bring this facility a BIG step closer to being the central Willamette Valley's multimodal hub.

Redwood brackets survive It took a set of skilled craftspeople to save the original redwood brackets and also to create replacements for the ones we couldn't save. It's one of many things that will take you back in time at the historic depot.

More reasons than ever to take the Amtrak Cascades 

When this project wraps up, you'll have one more reason to take the Amtrak Cascades train up and down the Willamette Valley (and even on to Seattle and Vancouver, B.C.) - so you can see this beautiful facility! Visit the website for the latest deals and discounts.

IN THIS ISSUE

What's new

The 2017 Oregon Legislature gave us approval to spend the remaining funds that will finish up the grounds. We'll soon be working on sidewalks, asphalt, landscaping and other final touches.

Another new item: we've just launched a new features-style website focused on Oregon transportation issues - and the Salem Railroad Baggage Depot is the first feature story!

A touch of old with the new

The interior of the baggage depot has the latest in flooring and finishes... but look around and you'll see some pieces bringing "old" beauty to the space.

For example, the two large sliding doors (and original hardware) have been re-hung as decoration (see picture above), and as much of indoor paneling we could salvage as possible is now on the ceiling and walls (pictured below)

According to ODOT Historic Resources Program Coordinator Chris Bell, these items, "...reflect a patina and authentic sense of place that is impossible to recreate with new construction." Read more on the website plus see the new video on the project.