Created November 20, 2007

 

Total Accidents:   0
Crossing DOT #:  693823F
TOTAL DAILY TRAINS:   10   (AS OF 2005)

 

Page written by WEHRAR17.

 

1

800x600   58.6 KB

2

600x800   61.9 KB

3

800x600   47.5 KB

Facing east.
The eastbound signal.
A wide view looking west taken back in February.

 

This crossing has a rather unique history. The access road that crosses the CN main here follows the right-of-way of what used to be another railroad line! The location of the crossing used to be the location of a diamond crossing between the ex-Chicago & Northwestern (current active CN) and ex-Milwaukee Road lines. In 1999, the ex-Milwaukee Road line was abandoned and removed, with the exception of the former MILW yard seen in the background of picture 3, which the then-current owner Wisconsin Central wanted to keep as a car storage yard. They built an access road into the yard on the former Milwaukee Road right-of-way, and created this crossing in 2000.

 

The gateless signals were put up at or shortly after the crossing's creation. They have 12" x 24" Safetran incandescent lights, a General Signals electronic bell, and for some reason, very faded STOP signs underneath the lights.

 

Since the access road that follows the former railroad right-of-way does not have a name, the crossing kept the name of the diamond crossing, Tavil Junction.

 

4

800x600   63.9 KB

5

600x800   46.0 KB

Track view northeast.

The relay case.

 

If you look closely in the distance of picture 4, you can see another track coming in from the left and joining the CN main. This is the former C&NW/MILW interchange track, now the only means of access to the yard.

 

This crossing is in a quiet zone. Trains do not sound their horns at this crossing except in emergencies.

 

All pictures were taken on September 29, 2007, except picture 3 which was taken on February 22, 2007.