Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-12-09
RAILWAY BUILDING
REPORT ON RESULTS OF RECENT
INTERSECTIONS.
Regarded as Of Importance in Connec-
ton With Terminal Construc-
ton in This City.

The inspection of railroad construction
work In other cities. recently made by Mr..
e. b. Hunt, engineer of highways. and his
assistant, MIR. Charles Fernald, is consider
ed by the Commissioners as a matter Of
great importance In connection with the
building of the new railroad terminal in
this city. In fact. Col. Biddle, the Engin-
eer Commissioner, is of the opinion that the
subject Of tunnel and viaduct construction
and the other details of the work to be
done outside the station building proper,
Is OF as great concern to the people of the
District as the erection of the station build
ing itself. and he believes that the Informal
ton obtained by Messrs. Hunt and Fernald
on their recent tour of inspection will be Of
invaluable aid in the complete development
of the terminal project
Col. B1ddle states that the plans for the
citation structure have been found to be
entirely acceptable, and after the aues-
ton OF the material to be used has been
dennlteiy disposed OF he considers that
the architects will look carefully after
the details of the construction of the sta
ton building and from q natural spirit Of
professional pride will see to it that the
structure is thoroughly in accord with
the plans for a magnificent building and
credit to themselves and to the capital
of the nation. The subject of elimination
OF grade crossings. or the proper con-
changing street grades and such other
features of the work in which the con-
VenIence and the rights of the people are
concerned, however, will require careful
attention from the authorities of the Dis
trict.
The II Street Viaduct.
Mr.. Hunt considers that one of the most
important things ascertained as the result
OF his tour of inspection is that the large H
of C,,I>r
~ lighted without resorting to electricity
or other artificial illumination. This via
duct will be about $50 feet long. The roof
OF the viaduct will be formed by the rail-
road tracks sheds and platforms and the
sides VIII be formed of solid masonry and
structural work, supporting the tracks ETC.
Without some provision being made for
iiluminatio the subway would be in reality
dark tunnel.
Mr.. Hunt states that he feels confident
the subway can be lighted in an admirable
manner during the dayt. me by the means OF
vault lights, or skylights of thick glass.
placed in the platforms along the tracks
and train sheds. which form the roof of the
.unnei. Ihe roof of a well-lighted subway
IN New York city, he states, consists Of
ABOUT 10 per cent vault lights, and he is of
the opinion that approximately ~ per cent
oa .ne rooi OF the II street viaduct can be
constructed OF thick glass skylights At
n-ght, OF course, 1t will be necessary to IL
iumine the subway with electricity.
ne mas not decided whether the same sys-
tenn OF roofing can be adopted with reference
to the smaller subways on K, l. and III
streets and Florida avenue, but will give
the subject careful consideration with the
view to making similar provisions for their
viaductS.
Types Of Railing.
Among other things considered by Messrs.
Hunt and Fernald during their tour of in
spection were the different types of railing
for the viaduets and the subject Of water
proof construction of the subways. Mr..
Hunt states that nearly all the viaducts in
speeted leak to a greater or less extent and
seem to be defective in this particular
He Is convinced that the question of
water-proofing needs special attention, both
as regards the selection OF the system to
be used and with reference to carrying out
the plans, and he will make further fnyes-
t1gatfon OF this subject before making any
recommendations as to the system to be
ADOPTED The lining of the viaducts Will
also be given further careful considers tion
as VIII the matter of ventilation of the tun-
neis and subways. and other details of the
immense construction work