“Redondo Junction,” a name whispered with reverence among railroad enthusiasts. Redondo Junction, California, is more than just a location. It’s a place where iron horses rested and were reborn.
Today, we stand near the site of the former Redondo Junction Roundhouse. It once bustled with activity. This was a vital Amtrak maintenance facility, strategically located just 3.5 miles south of Los Angeles Union Station. This placed it southwest of Boyle Heights near Washington Boulevard and the Los Angeles River.
Imagine the scene in 1914. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway proudly unveiled its 25-track roundhouse here. This Redondo Junction Roundhouse was built to service their mighty fleet. The centerpiece was a 120-foot railway turntable. It was a marvel of engineering. This turntable ensured easy access to every stall.
The California Central Railway played a crucial role in Redondo Junction’s early history. In September 1887, they opened a 13-mile line. It stretched from Port Ballona, now Playa del Rey, to Redondo Junction. Redondo Junction quickly became a major hub for train maintenance. The California Central Railway also connected Redondo Junction to Los Angeles-La Grande Station.
The Redondo Beach Railway further enhanced Redondo Junction’s importance. Incorporated in April 1888, this railway was largely controlled by Henry E. Huntington. Their line began operations on September 1, 1888. It ran 11 miles from Redondo Beach to Inglewood, California.
In 1890, the Hotel Redondo opened. The rail lines helped make Redondo “the place” for tourists. The first train ran on April 16, 1888. It traveled from Inglewood to downtown Los Angeles. It ran on California Central Railway tracks through Redondo Junction.
The California Central Railway completed a line from Redondo Junction to San Diego. The Pacific Surfliner still uses parts of this line today.
Redondo Junction witnessed a tragic event on January 22, 1956. The Redondo Junction train wreck involved Santa Fe RDCs. This disaster claimed 30 lives and injured 117. It was the first major disaster in the Los Angeles area covered on live television. It also became the worst train wreck in the city’s history.
Amtrak acquired Redondo Junction in January 1977. A new service facility was built in May 1999, just north of the 1914 roundhouse. Sadly, the historic 1914 roundhouse was demolished in August 2000. This demolition made way for a future servicing area. The railway turntable remains as a testament to the past.
In 2002, the Redondo Junction project was completed. This project separated passenger rail from freight rail. It elevated Amtrak and Metrolink lines over the Alameda Corridor at Redondo Junction.
Though the roundhouse is gone, the spirit of Redondo Junction endures. It’s a place where the past and present converge. It is where the legacy of railroading continues to shape the landscape.