Lets see where to begin...
This main track was the track that went east to Denmark junction. The main now ends before crossing Outer Drive in Buena Vista.. The bridge over I-75 has also been removed nearly 10yrs ago and the grade east of the freeway is now paved railtrail.
I began viewing what you see above at Hartstuff and 27th streets. That is the last fully powered lit crossing on that line. WARNING: This is not a good neighborhood. The neighbor part is long gone. Venture at great risk.
I walked east from 27th about 250yds and saw a switch that went off to the right. The main continued straight east another 60yds and disappeared into thick brush. Theres maybe another 20yds of track in the brush before the rails are cut at Outer Drive.
The track that switched off to the right banked back left to continue straight east into a gate on the back of a lumber yard on outer drive. They still receive center beam cars of lumber.
Between the switch and the gate is an irregular diamond. Not sure the proper term for what its actually called. A 3rd track sweeps across through there creating the diamond or where the two tracks cross. The 3rd track ends into the main with a tall old style Pere Marquette switch stand. LSRS lock on it orange with a second chrome LSRS lock.
The track that ends into the main and crosses the diamond banks around into the woods behind the houses on 27th street and are covered in rust but appear they could still support a loaded train.
That track track straightens out and continues south 800-1200yds but has many fallen trees on it. The gates across this south track enter into the back of a second lumber yard on Holland west of Outer Drive. This I think is city of Saginaw. This second lumber yard used to also get lumber as the track travels along behind a long red sided lumber shed that the doors have been sided over.
Not sure if that south track ever continued south past that second lumber yard or if any other industry is or was ever beyond there.
What is interesting is the tracks from 27th street east including both switches and the diamond have had recent tie replacement, drainage work and new ballest here and there.
A couple of questions:
1. Is that considered a true diamond or is it called something else?
2. Was this spot considered a junction and did that track south go anywhere beyond the lumber yard on Holland??
3. Was there ever any kind of control tower there in the 30s or later???
The only reason I didnt post this in the history board is because its still an active track with one of two active customers.
My guess is LakeState may be hoping to re-establish business with the south yard in the future.
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