The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1899-04-04

to a complete understanding of the
enormous amount of work and large
property damages that will result from
some of the changes. For instance,
at Franklin, Southbridge, Bridge ana
Union streets, the advantages are cred
tied in the preceding pages to the plan
for the elevation of the tracks, but a
careful examination of all the sur
rounding property is necessary to APP
preciate fully the relative difficulties
at these street crossings in the typical
plans which have been compared.
The tabular statements attached to
this report will show that, by the ele-
waited project the present street grades
can be generally retained, and, in some
instances, even improved; while in the
depressed system, many radical
changes are necessary.
1t is true that there are few dis
advantages in an elevated system.
Where there are many tracks, as at
Grafton street, the bridge, even with
the best design, would have a some
what tunnel-like appearance. To re-
lieve this. the head-room should be
made as great as practicable. But
even such a structure, carrying the
railroads over the highway, in our
opinion, has less the appearance of an
obstacle in the street than a crossing
by which the street rapidly rises ana
falls on either side of a railroad, thus
creating a Veritable dam across the
street An elevated railroad presents
less of a barrier than does such a
crossing; at least, this has been the
experience in those cities where track
elevation has been introduced.
If the streets are not sunk perceptl-
bly, below their natural level, or the
level of the surrounding ground, and
II the openings under the railroads are
wide, high and well lighted, we do not
consider the arrangement would pro-
duce as much of a feeling of separa
ton between different parts Of the city
as the abrupt ascents and desCepts
when crossing over the tracks.
1t has been said that the noise caused
by trains passing over a street is an
Objectionable feature of the elevated
railroads. While it is true they cause
the sound to be more directly trans
mitted to the streets than in the case
of depressed tracks, it is nevertheless
practicable to deaden much of the
sound by suitable construction of the
bridges and by the use of special pro-
visions to reduce the intensity Of sound
vibrations.
By elevating the tracks through the
city, less trouble would be caused by
snow, which sometimes obstructs
travel; and there would also be less
otIenCe by smoke reaching the public
streets. This plan would also cause
less interference with the freight yards
and sidings, and avoid a grade crossing
for the purpose of transferring freight
east of the Union station.
The question of the lowering Of Mill
brook sewer would not be a vital one If
the tracks were partially depressed
If any of the other plans for depress-
ing the tracks are considered, it will be
seen that they involved the relocation
and rebuilding of this important sewer
for long distances. Strong reasons ex-
ist for considering it unwise to under
take the lowering of Minbrook sewer
in its course through the city. There
are difficulties attending its reconstruc-
ton due to the Quicksands that under
lie its foundations to a large extent,
and due to the proximity Of important
buildings, bridges and railroads. There
are the risks of Unforeseen damages to
property, during construction and
thereafter, under the peculiar condi-
also the special difficulties ensuing
from consequent change in location
Of a part of MillbrOOk which would re-
quire the encouragement Of a num-
Der os sewers.
We. therefore, have unanimously
come to the conclusion that the COM
plete elevation of the tracks is the best
project for adoption.
(Signed) Rudolph Herring
Desmond Fitzgerald,
Fredk A. Mcclure.
Worcester, Mass, March 2S, 1899.