The Birmingham age-herald., 1924-05-18
WOULD ELEVATE MAIN TRACKS ON STEEL STRUCTURE VanHoose Offers New
 Idea For Solution Of
 Grade Problem PROVIDES PARKING SPACE FOR TAXES Structure Would Pass Un- derneath Viaducts, Ac-
 cording To Plan

He feels that his suggestions may have 1 the effect of stimulating thought on the subject by citizens generally and has, | tening the day when the grades now such menace can be eliminated. The basis of his thought is to provide a steel structure for elevating certain tracks through the heart of the city, ! rather than using a fill for this pur- pose. He writes as follows:
 On January IT, last, I ventured to submit through the real estate board some Suggestions" in regard to the vexed, complicated and dangerous sit uation involved in the north and south crossings of the railroads between 1 twenty fourth and Fourteenth streets. These suggestions" attracted con- siderable attention and were favorably considered by many. In submitting them was well aware that they did not satisfactorily deal with all the is- sues involved.
 In this late stage of our wonderful development, conditions now confront ua which call for most careful, friendly and mutually helpful cooperation on the part of all concerned.
 It seems unfair and ungenerous to l lay blame of non-sOlution of these vexed problems on the railroads or the city commission.
 We should feel that all are honestly and sincerely trying to reach conclu- sions that are fair and just to all in- terests concerned.
 r Any other way of looking at it win do great injustice to railroad heads and city commission, both as officers and individuals.
 We must realize that each and all as high minded, conscientious officials are trying to do the best and fairest that is now possible.
 Also, we should feel that they will gladly consider any suggestions that may prove helpful even if they come from humble and non-expert sources. In this belief and in this spirit. I now again venture with proper mod esty and with due difference to others who will differ, the following ''sugges- tions." In these have tried in a compromise way to harmonize conflict ing views as far as can gather from the press statements, of the city com mission and railroad officials. Some of these suggestions seem new, and as far as I know, have not. been embodied in any plans SO far con- sidered.
 Elevate Main Tracks
 Beginning west of Twenty-seventh street, elevate the two main line tracks of the Louisville and Nashville and southern so that these four tracks will pass through on steel construction un- der viaduct oyer the Twenty fourth street. under a rebuilt modern viaduct on Twenty-eecond, under the Twenty first viaduct, down to Fourteenth. At Fourteenth, the Louisville and Nash ville's tive main tracks could cross the Southern and Frisco overhead and come down. to present grade level about Ave nue F. As there is already quite a heavy and steadily increasing use of Avenue +, by funerals, autos and other traffic and as the upgrade of the Louis vile and Nashville south from it's cross ings of the Southern at Fourteenth seems favorable, the Louisville and Nashville might even now consider ele- vating their two main tracks so as to cross Avenue E, overhead.
 To have funeral processions delayed or broken apart by the passage of a long freight or the speed of a fast passenger train is unseemly, harassing and dangerous.
 At Fourteenth an underpass. From this grade level at the Fourteenth street underpass, it would seem prac- ticable for the Southern to clear Eigh- teenth street with sufficient overhead clearance for vehicle traffic, also at Nineteenth, (which, under these sug- gestiOnS could be extended across from Morris avenue to Powell avenue) and ,rrR- of .k~-fs nd Twenty-fourth street viaducts, coming down to present grade level about the Twenty-seyenth street.
 At Twenty-first street, going west the Louisville and Nashville's double tracks could connect by same steel structure with two or more turning into their present passenger location west of Twentieth, then passing on west down to such point as would seem ad- visable to again turn into and connect with their double tracks.
 Access to and from their passenger trains would be on the elevated floor above the present track levels. This access could be by rolling or stationary stairs and elevators. These stairs could be built 30 as to enable passengers to ascend or descend from trains with out crossing tracks or through gaps in trains cut apart.
 In the ultimate and permanent ar- of the Louisville and Nash vile passenger facilities it might seem desirable to have the main entrance to their trains on Eighteenth. street, with sheds extending from Twentieth to at least Sixteenth.
 So that all trains going east or north would pull across Eighteenth with en- zines facing Twentieth. All trains gO- ing west or south would pull across Eighteenth and head west.
 By this arrangement, passengers would turn east or west on Eighteenth and enter and leave their cars with safety and little inconvenience.
 Space Under Platform
 In the space under this elevated pas senger platform the removal of such tracks as would no longer be needed, would afford parking places for taxis. autos, baggage, express and mail via Eighteenth, Nineteenth and Twentieth, ticket offices, waiting rooms, overflow crowds, etc.
 Any attempt to have the Louisville and Nashville facilities removed, through persuasion or attempted force. should not be contenanced. The present sit uation is ideal. Right in the heart of the city. Quickly accessible from all sections by street cars, avsos and on foot.
 In my humble judgmaPt, it would be q monumental blunder to attempt to have it removed.
 Twentieth street always has and al- ways will remain the main great artery connecting the North and South High lands.
 The cross town cars pass by that
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