JR Kyushu Chikuho Line Re-route

[Kamome]

JR Orio station in Fukuoka prefecture has currently being going through a large construction process. The Chikuho line which runs through Orio is currently being re-routed to reduce on the number of road crossings in the center of town. The northern part, the Wakamatsu line, is being raised to go over the main road with a new station section constructed at the northern part of Orio station. For those forum members who recently purchased the GM 819 “Dencha”, this is their line.

 

The western portion of the station has a tunnel section underway which had an open session today for people to walk through.

 

There is still trackwork needed for the Fukuhoku Yutaka line trains which route south from Orio and eventually wind their way back to Hakata. The current layout has the Kagoshima main line raised up over the road but the through Fukuhoku Yutaka and Wakamatsu line trains are all using ground level platforms. These will gradually be phased out with raised platforms for all trains.

 

For those interested, there was a stand selling the original Orio station building in a n scale paper kit. 

 

Further info:  The parts of the Chikuho main line are the Wakamatsu line, Fukuhoku Yutaka line and the Haruda line.

[katoftw]

Looks like you were at last weekends walk around event?

[Kamome]

Yes indeed. It was free and a short hop from the house and a rare opportunity to walk along the freshly laid track. 

 

The downside to the construction  is the number of small businesses, who frequent the riverside area on the southern side of the station, have to move out to allow for the new developments.