In April, City of Gainesville officials announced the iconic Engine 209 would be moved from the corner of Jesse Jewell Parkway and West Academy Street to a new location, and now the time for the move has come.
Gainesville City Council members learned in a work session Thursday morning the move will begin this Friday night following rush hour.
The tender car and caboose at Engine 209 Park will be moved first to the new location on the Midtown Greenway at the intersection of Grove and Davis Streets. Lowboy trailers will be used to relocate those cars.
Early Saturday morning, just after sunrise, Engine 209 will be moved using a 10-axle self-propelled trailer, according to city officials. Moving crews believe it will take 35 to 40 minutes for the entire move.
The public will be able to watch the move, but city officials are urging caution. Spectators will have to watch the move from Poultry Park or from the Wild Wing Cafe parking lot. The sidewalks along Jesse Jewell and West Academy will not be open to spectators because of safety concerns - cranes will be operating in the area, lifting the train cars onto the trailers.
The same safety protocols will be in place at the new location, and spectators will not be allowed close to the equipment.
The move takes place weather permitting.
