For many years, a remnant of a long unused railroad spur has been visible on the west end of Water Avenue at Washington Street. Before this artifact of Albany’s history disappears forever, I tried to find out where it led back in the day.
Some time this year the contractor for the Albany Waterfront Project is going to tear up that end of Water Avenue in order to rebuild it as what city officials call a “plaza street” suitable for public events and such. I am assuming the old rails will have to go.
I’ve been wondering about that spur for years, that is, every time I pass it on my regular bike rides along the Albany riverfront. Where did the track once lead? How long has it been there?…