High Line
Former Elevated Train Line in Lower West Manhatten, New York USA

The High Line was built in the 1930's to carry freight to and from factories.
It was elevated to avoid the street traffic, and weaved among the existing buildings.
Eventually trucks took over, and the rail line started to decay. In 1999 a group formed
to save it from demolition. It was made into a linear park and became a popular destination.
Currently it is about 16 blocks long, I walked Southward from 30th to 14th Street near 11th Avenue.

The restoration of the High Line resulted in a rundown factory neighborhood becoming a popular place to work.
This office tower is new construction, and the sales pitch includes, "On the High Line".

From ground level this is a section of the line being refurbished. On the far left you can see how the elevated track
was dark and dingy. On the right you can see the steel smoothed and painted, the stone work cleaned.

I'm standing on the Northern end of the restored line. In the foreground is a section being restored,
the thick planking will be the walkway. Beyond is a 30 track wide train yard. The High Line goes
AROUND the rail yard! This will provide a view of the Hudson River for future walkers.

This is a popular place to go for a walk. Some of these people are going for a hike on their lunch hour.

Some parts of the walkway are covered

This is a typical section of the High Line. It is two tracks wide, one half is replaced with a walkway.
Most of the vegetation was planeted by gardeners, I was early in the season so only a few plants were in bloom.

Besides the line itself you have an elevated view of the city buildings.
This one caught my eye since I have a poster of the lady on the left.

There are sculptures along the way with signs describing them.

There are many short "spurs" on the path so I could stop and take pictures.

There are numerous benches and a variety of stairways down to the streets.

The archtecture of the city varies widely. It is now popular for an office to have a view of the High Line.

Seating varies as well. The left wall in the background really does look like that.

Flowers in bloom. There are several musicians, I forgot to photograph one.

To avoid buildings the track had to zig-zag.

You see unusual things, there are many elevator parking lots in NYC.

The tall building in the background was built about the same time as the railroad in the foreground.

When taking a photo of the lady I didn't notice the advertisement in the background.

A city street with an interesting walkway.

People stop and stare at some of the artwork. Buildings newer then the rail line can pass over it.

This stretch is wide enough for lounging in the sun.

People napping in the middle of the train tracks.

Sculpture in the middle of the train tracks. Up ahead is a grove of White Birch.

Not all the tracks are straight, here are some switches.

The end of the line. There is nothing left of the line to the South thus expansion will will be to the North.

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