Another Question About Belfast Train System

[chanel5]

As a child in the early 60s I remember travelling by train from Derry to Belfast and I have vivid memories of the train passing over large expanses of water, presumably parts of the lough, as it approached Belfast city. Today, the track is on land all the way. Does anyone know if the water that I remember was "landfilled" to accommodate the road network, or has the location of the railway track been moved inland? My memories of the time are sketchy, but I believe the track was definitely over water in several different places.

[sandyRoe]

The line ran along the shore of Belfast Lough. There has been a lot of reclamation there. Here's an example and there's more planned.

http://www.belfastcity.gov.uk/business/regeneration/northforeshore.aspx

[mushroom25]

until 1965, there were 2 rail routes between derry and belfast. it was recognised that the amount of traffic at that time could not support both, so one was closed; the decision on which route to retain was made partly on sectarian/political grounds, meaning the route via antrim survived, and that via dungannon did not.

[chanel5]

Thanks, sandyRoe and mushroom. My memory of the journey is sketchy, but I do remember that I used to love the crossing over the water - the track was rickety and there was a sense of danger and excitement, wondering if the train could/might take a plunge. I can't remember if the journey was via Antrim or Dungannon, but I do remember asking my Grandmother what the graffitti meant that I saw written on the warehouses along the riverside. Grandmother was scandalised and refused to look out the window. The graffitti? "Vote Fitt for Dock". LOL Innocent stuff, by today's standards.