Re: Total mileage of Chicago streets?
Date: January 14, 2014 02:49PM
Hello, Elf Odin and all.
That would be the "freight" tunnels. Going from memory, these tunnels are disused narrow-gage RAIL tunnels suitable for mining car type rail stock. They were used to move coal, merchandise, and other freight as and when needed, avoiding surface streets. They became disused when motor vehicles became reliable and popular. They were NEVER open to automobile traffic. In fact, most if not all of the tunnel sections are too small for automobiles full stop.
The 60 miles of "tunnels" Richard mentions above are probably included in the 4500 street mile total mentioned by Mr. Downtown. After all, 100 yards here, 10 blocks there, and pretty soon, you're talking real mileage.
Most of that 60 miles is above the water table, and thus isn't subject to "pokeage" like what flooded the freight tunnels in 1992. However, at least some of the 60 miles are below "local grade" and thus flood much more frequently! Other sections, such as lower Wacker, lower Michigan, etc are not subject to this particular issue.
Thanks.
Brian J. Patterson.
Elf Odin Wrote:
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> Mr Downtown Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > The tunnels don't have to be snowplowed most
> > years.
>
> But they need to be drained periodically, in years
> ending in “92”. :)