| Other Information
Misc Info: This is the only place that I know of where the
tower operator's job is to lower the crossing gates across the road to
stop traffic. A total of 8 tracks cross Broadway: 2 CSX, 2
IHB, 2 GT, 1 IAIS (Lumber Yard lead) and 1 transfer between IAIS Lumber
Yard lead and the GT.
Police: There is a gate tower operator present 24 hours a day.
You can get great shots from the sidewalks along the street or by staying
close to the tower, but don't wander. If you cross the maze of tracks
anywhere but the sidewalk you might be talking to the law real quick.
Safety: Enter the area from the east off of Western Av.
It goes downhill as you go west along Broadway. Broadway can get
busy with traffic along with the large number of trains - be alert!
Good photo times: Better shots of southbound moves. Northbound
trains will have the sun behind them except later in the afternoon/evening
during summer. Metra is tricky (usually better during the summer
when the sun is higher: late afternoon/early evening for shooting
outbounds, morning for inbounds).
Photo Tip: You will need a zoom lense to shoot Metra from the
crossing gate tower on Broadway. |
