Flip 17--Northwest Industrial District

7/26/11  Sunday  10:54 AM
Location: Industrial District, NW Front Avenue

My friend Dan and I ride our bikes along NW Front Avenue, near the west bank of the Willamette. Here and there rail lines cross our path at awkward angles, and we have to take care when crossing them so as not to get our bike tires caught in the grooves of the tracks, a sure way to crash.

Something that has always amazed me about train yards is how open and accessible they are.

Separating us from the river is Gunderson, a massive barge- and rail car-building firm. From inside the building, loud sirens wail, a warning to workers on the floor as a whole rail car is moved via overhead crane.

Signs communicating unknown data line the road, heavily traveled by semi-trucks.

As we look at the city to the south, an Amtrak train speeds past us. We both jump an inch as it goes by. We didn't hear it coming.

A gang of three railroad workers in orange shirts and hard hats conducts an ultrasonic test of one of the tracks, looking for microscopic fractures in the steel.

In contrast with the noise and activity of the train yard, the undeveloped slope of Forest Park looks down serenely.

The heavy sound of metal hammering metal emanates from the Gunderson factory. A hammered copper rivet on Dan's bicycle seat echoes the theme.

Nearby, workers from a trade show banner design company hold a demonstration.

 

A tiny goose crossing sign reminds speeding truckers to use caution.

But the workers and the geese are outmatched by their surroundings. This is a place of large masses moving with indomitable force, without regard for things in the way.