While in Chicago I saw a vast “yard” that had overhead catanary lines. I assume this is a commuter line. What is it? Is it run by Metra?
Thanks!
Justin
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Ok thank you!
A vast yard? That is relative to what west of the Alleghenys? And where, or near what, notwithstanding that the Metra Electric with the University Park main, South Chicago, Blue Island (separate from the Rock Island), and South Shore branches all use a 1,500-v dc overhead catenary.
The only sizable yard in the Chicago area that would have had catenary would have been South Shore's Burnham Yard, about a mile southeast of the Hegewisch station. Most of the catenary was removed in the 1980's when South Shore dieselized its freight service.
Justin most likely saw the ex IC ROW. The six tracks with catenary used by METRA and NITD trains plus however many non-electrified tracks remain today. Enough tracks that anyone not familiar with the area might think it was a yard rather than mainline trackage.
Mark
They could have also driven on Lake Shore Drive or another street near the Weldon Yard at 18th Street. That has a fair number of tracks in it, plus with the mainlines going around the perimeter of the yard. Art
Probably Metra Electric at Welden.
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