Visit to New Bern, NC
Over the 4th of July holiday, my family and I spent some time in the Carolina’s. On the coastal leg or our trip we spent some time in New Bern, NC, a small tourist town, and is located in Craven County where Trent River merges with the Neuse River. As we pulled into the campground in New Bern, I heard some train horns from a distance, and I was very excited. Over the weekend we found two drawbridges; one crossing the Trent River and another crossing the Neuse River. Not being familiar with the area, it was hard to pin down when the freight trains cross the drawbridges. A few of the mornings, I heard Norfolk Southern crossing the Neuse River Drawbridge around 3 or 4 AM.
One afternoon I explored New Bern railroad roots. We found New Bern Union Train Depot, which was being restored, a railway shop, and the Norfolk Southern Rail Yard. We also scoped out some spots for taking photos, if the opportunity aroused.
Crossing the Neuse River
There is a great little park with a small parking lot on the Bridgeton side of the Neuse River. You can get close up shots of NS crossing the Neuse River, in the park or on the dock. The drawbridge is on the New Bern side of the river, the bridge is left in the open position unless a train is crossing. This track leaves New Bern and runs to points North and east of New Bern.
Crossing the Trent River
Great spot for crossing the Trent River is behind the Bridge Pointe Hotel & Marina. The drawbridge is on this side of the river. Like the Neuse drawbridge, it’s left in the open position unless a train is crossing. This track leaves New Bern and runs to Morehead City, NC.
New Bern Railroad Yard
The yard is located only minutes away from downtown New Bern off of Dunn and George Street.
Downtown New Bern
Single track runs right down the middle of Hancock Street then crossing Trent River Drawbridge.
New Bern Union Depot & Railway Shop
Built in 1910 the New Bern Union Depot sits at the corner of Pasteur and Queen Streets. Just 100 yards from the depot is the Railway Shop.
Scanner Info
The city of New Bern, NC Public Safety is on a digital trunk system. As for the Norfolk Southern Railroad you can hear all the active on 160.9500 from the yard moves to communications with the dispatch.
