Historical 16th (Clark) Street Interlocking

The main posting for this interlocking describes how it looks since the river was straightened. I also have a posting of pictures I took. This posting describes what it looked like before the river was straightened.

David Daruszka posted two photos with the comment: "Before and after track elevation at 16th Street."
Bob Lalich David, if you look closely, the C&WI is already grade separated in the B&W photo.
Dennis DeBrulerGroup Admin Also nice views of the big, wooden grain elevators that lined the South Branch.

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Bob Lalich commented on David's posting
Because this crossing was such an operating nightmare, it was one of the first grade separation projects in the Chicago area. Here is a drawing from Railroad Gazette in 1891 before separation and interlocking. At the time, the crossings were protected by flagmen. Imagine the arguments and tie-ups! And notice that the St Charles Air Line was a straight alignment as built.

David Daruszka posted

David commented on his posting
That ketchup bottle water tower shows up in a lot of pictures.
Bob Lalich That is a beer bottle from the Schoenhofen brewery. http://forgottenchicago.com/articles/schoenhofen-brewery/

David DaruszkaGroup Admin That's a lot better than ketchup.