The Lake County times. [volume] (Hammond, Ind.) 1906-1933, 1918-02-19

w e Bridge. city civil engineer has
a plan to redeem Hammond from the
terror and handicap Of grade crossings
which each year take toll in human
life. cause voIuminous and costly traf
fc delays aud constitute a barricade
to progress.
With one fun svoop MI Bridge
would do away with grade crossings
and at the same time realize elevation
or tracks at a minimum Of expense and
a union passenger depot. The idea is
not newt has been suggested to the
minds Of many people before but this
is tho nrst time anyone has given it
the study and development necessary
to be able to declare it practicable.
The city engineer believes that it Is
not only possible but the ono logical
course for the city to take. lie does
not consider 1t an idle dream. With
government control Of railroads in op-
Grafton and government ownership
probable it - more easily available.
The plan it this.
By detouring the Monon. Erie C. &
0. and Nickle Plate railroads over the
G. l. & 5. to Gibson and into Hammond
on the Michigan Central lines which
have a 1oo-foot right-of-way. hun
dreds of acres Of valuable property
can be restored to business and resi-
dental purposes. scores Of crossings
eliminated and tho city relieved Of the
odiLm or being cut TO pieces by rail
roads"
1t would be necessary to detour the
Aionon at Dyer to Join the c. L & s.
at Hartsdale. the Erie and c. & o.
would join the Monon and c. l. & s
al Highland and the Nickle Plate come
in at Osborn.
The new system would leave a mile
and three-quarters for elevation be-
tween Gibson and the state line. six
street crossings. a union depot and the
roads would have a million dollars Of
valuable property to dispose Of. Mr.
Bridge states Elevation OF the roads
as they now c~oss-cut the town would
4 be so great bill Of expense that the
f city could not assume its share and
would divide the town I'm two parts.
depreciating property values, the en-
gineer believes. Elevation With the
arrangement he proposes would in
crease property values in all parts Of
+ the city. In the Erie Yards alone
there are 125 acres OF land suitable
for residential purposes
street car. automobile. team and foot
traffic would have perfect freedom.
NIr- Bridge is convinced that the
/ railroads could profit as greatly as the
city. not only in the saving or expense
in elevation. hut in lower cost OF main
!. tenance. eliminating damage suits and
like items. A union depot to cost hal,
million dollars and to be located west
Of Holman street and north or Logan
street is a part OF the plan Upon
reaching Holman street the Nonon
Erie. c. & O. and Nickle Plate roads
would resume their old right-of- WAYS
into Chicago.
Mr. Bridge has prepared maps giving
his plan in detail and for each or the
hundreds Of questions arising has ar
answer. The engineer has studied the
problem Thoroughly. lie believes the
railroads can be induced to abandon
the old paths % entrance into the city
I would like to get people to think
ing about this plan. ne said today.
The Blue print prepared BY NJ
Bridge for The Times indicates no
only tho plan for unifcstion and ele
walton but IS a plea for the resumption
Of suburban service BY the Lake Shore
over the Nickel Plate tracks The en-
gineer believes that the suburban ser
, vice is absolutely necessary to trans
port munition workers to and from thi
. Standard steel Car Company and in
, dustries Of the region. Nfr Bridge ais
advocates local street car service fron
state and Holman streets 10 Ess
, Hammond instead OF the interurba
? service now fursished BY the Ham
? mond. Whiting & East Chicago stree
car company.