Saturday, January 12, 2008

I wish I could take a pic of this

Near 95th and Michigan, there's this pothole. It was last covered up when the streets were repaved back in late 2002. And just about five years later, this pothole has re-emerged. This is an unlucky spot apparently.

We see a little Chicago history in this pothole. Until 1958 streetcars ran in Chicago. They may be referred to as trolleys in other parts of the country. The more modern term for streetcars or trolleys is light rail.

Anyway in this pothole we see an example of how streets were paved in the past not with asphalt but brick. Also what we see here is a rail that was apparently used by the street car whenever it ran on Michigan Avenue back in the day. When the street reaches it's normal wear and tear this piece of archeology returns to view at least until the next time this intersection is due for repaving.

Just so you won't think this is just coming from no where here's a website to view. It's a more comprehensive history of public transportation in Chicago. Check out this page from Bill Vandervoort's Chicago Transit.

No comments:

Post a Comment

PLEASE READ FIRST!!!! Comment Moderating and Anonymous Comment Policy

While anonymous comments are not prohibited we do encourage you to help readers identify you so that other commenters may respond to you. Either read the moderating policy for how or leave an identifier (which could be a nickname for example) at the end of the comment.

Also note that this blog is NOT associated with any public or political officials including Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer!