Railroad & Overpass

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One early civic advancement was the 1913 construction of elevated train tracks over Douglas Avenue. This enabled quick and safe passage of pedestrians, wagons, and streetcars who would otherwise have to wait until each train passed through the station. Elevated tracks were built over First, Second, and Douglas Avenues. This construction was part of the Union Station complex. Just like today's airports, multiple rail companies used Union Station as a centralized place for the efficient transport of passengers and freight. The street under the trestle was paved with brick made in Buffalo, Kansas, providing a smooth street-level surface. The elevated tracks made it possible for citizens living in neighborhoods on the east side of town, such as College Hill, to travel downtown for their jobs or for shopping.