Richmond - Cary, NC inter-switch route

Updated: 06:40PM EST 11/01/2004

Comments:

This is thought to be a fiber optic route connecting MCI switches in Glen Allen (Richmond Jct.) and Cary, NC. After working its way south the route makes a diversion into a POP that looks like it was once owned by Continental Cablevision. From there the fiber rides the CSX (ex Seaboad) trackage to Rocky Mount, North Carolina. Other than the POP this route is thought to be 100% authentic MCI (or possibly ex Wiltel) and not an asset acquired in the SouthernNET (Telecom*USA) since the regenerator buildings are identical to those used at MCI microwave sites in Virginia.

The POP at 2800 Laurelbrook Dr. was found by following an odd cable crossing off of Belt Blvd. and then tracing Continental Cablevision matchsticks. This was the best picture of the POP possible due to the fencing surrounding the facility.

For some unknown reason regenerator sites get larger as one head further south starting at the Emporia regenerator where the sites have a large addon unit. This continues to the Rocky Mount regenerator which is composed of four shelters. Judging by spacing (20 or so railmiles) the next stop should probably be Lucama.

Route facilities:

RepeaterSite
Facility ID:Richmond Jct. (RIJ)
Location:5160 Francistown Rd.
Glen Allen, Henrico Co., VA
Picture Date:10/08/2004
Comments:Sandwitches Glen Echo ES with former AT&T Glen Allen microwave site
jpeg thumbnail of MCI Richmond switch
Facility ID:south Richmond (POP)
Location:2800 Laurelbrook Dr.
Richmond, VA
Picture Date:07/2004
Comments:Continental Cablevision connection
jpeg thumbnail image of MCI POP at 2800 Laurelbrook Dr.
Facility ID:Centralia, VA
Location:4320 Old La.
Centralia, Chesterfield Co., VA
Picture Date:07/2004
jpeg thumbnail image of MCI Centralia regenerator
Facility ID:Carson, VA
Location:Woodys Rd.
Carson, Prince George Co., VA
Picture Date:07/2004
Facility ID:Emporia, VA
Location:N. Main & Briggs Streets
Emporia, VA
Picture Date:03/12/2004
Comments:Middle hut is an expansion
jpeg thumbnail of MCI Emporia, VA fiber optic repeater site
Facility ID:Halifax, NC (HALINC)
Location:Sr. 1728
Halifax, Halifax Co., NC,
Picture Date:08/24/2004
jpeg thumbnail image of MCI Halifax, NC fiber optic repeater site
Hut ID:Rocky Mount, NC (RKMTNC)?
Location:100 Boddie Ct.
Rocky Mount, Nash Co., NC
Picture Date:08/24/2004
jpeg thumbnail image of MCI Rocky Mount, NC fiber optic repeater site