The record-union., 1893-11-10
THE OVERHEAD ROADWAY.
Some Facts Concerning the Proposed
Yolo Bridge.
Advantages to be Derived From Hav-
Ing Roadway Above It-Its
Value to the County.

The Board of Supervisors have under
consideration a most important matter,
which directly concerns the enlargement
OF our commercial interests and the Sc
curity of personal convenience-tha OF
encouraging the movement on foot for
the building of an additional or overhead
roadway upon the proposed new bridge
to be erected between Sacramento and
Yolo Counties.
The advantages TO be derived therefrom
cannot be over-estimated, for it will at
once represent the opening Of All avenue
for traffic now compelled to seek other
outlets, beside having the direcl tendency
of assuring to the public absolute protec-
ton against the constant danger pre-
sented by the present system.
9 1t is a well-knoWn Tact that very
large percentage of trade has been saori-
feed for want OF better and more conve-
nient facilities than at present offered. for
the general travelling public naturally
seeks only those highways which present
the elements of safety and convenience
AS rule, country teams are very shy of
intercourse with railroad trains or tracks.
In consequence of that fact not more than
a meagre percentage of the travel and
traffic which should naturally come to
this county from those adjacent finds its
way here, and Tor the very good reason
that the present facilities are not up to the
required standard.
Many farmers living within very few
miles Of The present bridge are in the
habi: of driving several miles out of their
way i'll order TO cross the river on a ferry,
rather than incur the danger to life and
limb constantly connected with travel
over the bridge. With new and inn
proved system, such as offered by the
proposed overhead roadway, such un-
favorable conditions will be removed,
and a largely increased volume of trade
and traffic at once assured. Immunity
from contact with either trains or tracks
will insure absolute safety to teams,
pedestrians, vehicles and animals, and
largely increased trade and travel will
naturally follow. EF
1t is estimated that the additional cost
of the proposed overhead roadway will
approximate closely to $4,000. Sacra-
menIo County could well afford to as
sumo the entire expense for the benefit
that will be derived from its use, for it is
estimated that the trade interests of the
county viii be increased to the extent of
at least $4,000 per month after the over
head system is thrown open 10 the use of
the surrounding counties. But the rail-
road company have generously offered to
assume the greater portion OF the cost
contingent however, upon the county
appropriating a reasonable proportion of
the additional outlay.
The new bridge, with the overhead sys-
tenn, will practically represent two
bridges in one. 1t will be u massive and
enduring structure that will combine the
elements of strength and convenience.
The approach TO the overhead roadway
will commence at the intersection of
Second street and the alley between ii
and / streets. From that point it will
gradually ascend to the top of the main
structure. From the center of the latter
it will make gradual descent to the level
of the bridge on the Washington side 1t
will be readily seen from the foregoing
that teams and pedestrians viii not come
in contact with any track levels.
InaSmuch as the laws will not permit
the building of a bridge within half a
mile OF another-or, in other words, that
as soon as the new structure is completed
the cid bridge must be destroyed-the
necessity of encouraging the overhead
roadway becomes at once apparent, for
the work can now be done, and the in
creased facilities become assured at the
minimum OF cost; while, on the other
hand, the necessity for Sacramento and
\ olo Counties eventually combining in
the erection of separate bridge for team
and trade purposes will be removed.
No matter affecting the material well
fare of the county has excited more favor
able comment than the movement in
question. Public sentiment is in accord
with good roads and improved facilities
for trade and traffic. The proposed over
head roadway system, If secured upon
the extremely favorable terms within
reach, will represent the essence of econ
omy, good judgment and sound business
policy, for its establishment will signal
ize the development of largely extended
commercial relations between this and
the surrounding counties.