Buildings and Grounds

There used to be a bridge to carry the CNS&M tracks from the elevated structure about Wilson Ave on the North South line, then south over Montrose Ave. and down a ramp to the ground level North Shore facility about Buena.  Some years ago the Museum was fortunate to acquire the three spans and two of the support steel 'piers'.  The two steel supports were re-purposed to support the new Central Pavillion area and are restored to hold the roof and on display.  For many years the three steel spans have resided just south of our car line tracks and east of the Springfield Ave platform.  On October 23 cranes were on site and the three spans were moved.  First, the short span was taken south to be adjacent and north of Yard 13.

The Lift

Next the cranes lifted the easternmost of the long spans.

Walking

With a crane on each end, the span was 'walked' east toward South Junction.

New Location

The span continued to moved, first turning south, and then traveling along the leads to Yard 13.  Ultimately it was paced just to the north of the area where the leads go due west.  And then the second long span was stacked atop the first one.

In early October our turntable bridge was moved and relocated on our core campus.  This is an ex C&NW bridge from Harvard, Illinois.  How long has it been sitting as the center of attention in the Thomas loading area?  Thirty years?  More?

The Lift

Two large cranes (70 ton and 100 ton) were on site as part of the preparations for the location work for an episode of the NBC series, Chicago Fire.  Timber mats were used to save the grassy areas, which were necessary for the later shooting. 

Headed South

With the bridge up in the air, the cranes simply walked away with it, first turning about 90 degrees and then heading south.

Obstacle

When they got to the car line tracks just east of Springfield station, the bridge was set down.  The cranes could not continue as they had been and still fit beneath the trolley wire.  The bridge was set down and the lead crane retracted the boom, and navigated its way over the car line tracks.  The backhoe shown here was kept busy picking up and leapfrogging the timber mats.

The Crossing

The lead crane pulled from the south while the one on the north lifted the bridge to allow it to swing to the south.

Traveling in Style

With the bridge safely moved across the car line tracks, the second crane crossed the line.  Then it was off to the races (figuratively) as they lifted the bridge and walked south to Yard 13, and then east to where the bridge is now stored on cribbing.