The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-01-28
RAILROAD NEWS.
Union Pacific May Bridge the
kaW Here.
Part of the Proposed Double
Track improvement.
AVOID CALHOUN BLUFF
Likely to Be a Hard Fought
Lawsuit.
Winner and Orient Roads Would
Parallel {. P.
AVOID CALHOUN BLUFF

There is a report that the Union Pa
cihc viii build a bridge across the Kan
sas river east of Topeka, and that both
the Union Pacific and Rock Island
trains Will be run into the Rock Island
depot.
1t is known that the Topeka Kansas
City line used by the Rock Island and
Union Pacihs viii be double tracked.
and the report is that the engineers
have determined that the expense. of
building and operating a double track
line through Calhoun bluffs will be so
great that they can better afford to
bridge the river and avoid the bluffs,
This would enable the Union Pacific
to run its trains either into the Rock
Island depot on this side of the river,
or into it's own depot in North Topeka.
If it should run its trains into the Rock
Island depot. it would cross back to its
main line on the Rock Island bridge.
Some interesting complications are
likely to ensue before long IN regard to
the Union Pacific right of way between
Kansas City and Topeka.
1t is well known that the Union Pa
cifc IS planning to double track ITS
Kansas City-Topeka line. owing to the
fact that the Rock Island also uses
these tracks. and there is too much tTaf-
fic for single line of rails.
Meantime, the Winner electric line
and the Orient railway are trying to
force the Union Pacific to give up
portion of its right at way in Leaven-
worth and Wyandotte counties The
Union Pacific controls what IS by tar
the best right of way for railroad
and it is evidently making preparations
to resist the plans of the Winner people
and the Orient road to get in on the
advantage which it enjoys
1t is rumored that the Orient has an
understanding with the Union Pacific,
and viii be allowed to build its tracks
without opposition, but this report is
not confirmed.
The Winner line is seeking to con-
denim its right of way alongside of the
Union Pacific tracks through LeaVen-
worth county. Judge Gill has appointed
commissioners to aDpraise the damage
and make an award in favor Of the
Union Pacific in the Winner case.
At Bonner Springs the Union Pacific
owns all the land between the bluffs
and the river, and thereby holds the key
to the kaW valley.
Last Saturday the Orient company
filed a map Of its right of way through
Leavenworth county. and already the
Union Pacific drau2htsmen have taken
a copy of it. The same plan was fol-
lowed when the Winner line filed its
proposed route chart. The tracing win
1t is understood. be sent to the Omaha
legal department of the Union Pacific,
and it is expected that the attorneys
there win direct the fling of Injunction
suits against the opposing roads. Tie
contention of the Winner and Orient
roads is that the Union Pacific has no
right under Kansas laws to hold such Z
wide right of way. There is said to be
200 feet included in the right Of way
claimed by the Union Pacific to which
the road has no valid title.
The map of the Orient line shows that
the road viii enter Leavenworth county
beginning at the east line. thence in a
westerly direction to the KaW river
where It is said it viii cross that stream
near Fall Leaf The route win be par
allel with the Union Pacific right of way
and about u miles Of track viii be laid
in that county.
The road will run through sections =.
Is. IA. % % p. 20. IL. Is. township II
south. range p east and sections 13,
%. %, q, Is and D. township u south.
range p east, crossing the county line
in the southwest quarter Of section p
near Fail Leaf