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Railfan Sites in Illinois

A self-guiding railfan tour

Railfan, railfan--where do you see trains in Illinois?

Take a tour! A 75.9-mile tour between Decatur and Danville has been completed, with 85 railfan locations detailed. Locations on the tour are indicated with a [WABASH] notation.

So, take another tour! A 44.4 mile tour between Danville and Lafayette, IN has been completed, with 11 locations in Indiana detailed. Locations on this tour are also indicated with a [WABASH] notation, but the link will be to the Danville - Lafayette tour.

Mapwork: If you're going to be looking for railfan locations, you'll need an industrial strength map resource. I definitely recommend you get a DeLorme Atlas & Gazetteer, study it before your trip, and copy pertinent pages for your field work. You can find information here about Railfan Maps that are available.

Cities And Sites

(1) This a hotlink to a page on Bill Gustason's blockbuster Chicagoland Junctions railfan site. Very, very highly recommended.

(5) This contribution courtesy of Will Rasmussen. Many thanks, Will.

(6) With a tip o'the hat to Chip Gay, who has taken the time to provide these goodies.

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BELLEVILLE -- 17TH STREET (Ex-IC) (January 2007)

From I-255 in Centreville, take exit 17 for IL-15 and go southeast all the way to South 11th Street in Belleville, and take a left to head into town. At South Belt West, take a left and go north up to South 17th Street, and take a right to an overpass of the tracks. These are now tracks of Canadian National (ex-Illinois Central).

The 17th Street area of Belleville offers opportunities, providing one does some advance scouting around. Afternoon shots of westbounds offer the best possibilities as trains are working hard upgrade out of the city to get to the crest of the grade where they begin their descent into East St. Louis. The former IC passenger and freight stations still stand in Belleville, offering limited possibilities for the creative photographer to work them into a scene.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page.

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BELVIDERE(September 9, 1998)

Belvidere is a town of about 16,000, some 15 miles east of Rockford, Illinois. It is the site of a Chrysler automotive Neon assembly plant, and its UP yard also has been known to act as an "overflow" yard for UP's giant Proviso (in the western suburbs of Chicagoland) yard. The "main" yard is oriented east-west, and is located parallel to Newburg Road, between Irene Road and Revlon Road. The name of the road from Newburg to the yard area is unremembered, but there is a furniture plant on the corner, with a BIG blue lighted sign reading "Belvedere" [note the different spelling!].

The road train is called in Proviso in the morning (0630-0800), depending on the car delivery from Conrail. The train typically arrives in Belvidere between 1100 - 1200. The train departs back to Proviso at night, but between 1800 - 2000 you can catch the switch crew using the road power along US 20 and Stone Quarry Road, as they pull the auto rack yard.

With thanks to Joel Kirchner, who, in addition to being an active participant in the MNRail information exchange group here, has unimpeachable credentials as an observer of the rail scene -- he's a locomotive engineer for a major class one railroad.

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BIG ROCK(July 1999)

On the BNSF (ex-CB&Q) between Aurora and Savannah, just under one train per hour goes thru here. From the western 'burbs of Chicago, take I-88 (a toll road) west About 4 miles west of Aurora is an exit to Sugar Grove and US-30 (or, take US-30 west directly from Aurora). Get on US-30 and enjoy the railroad being next to you for 7 miles or so, until you reach the town of Big Rock. Even though Chicago is expanding westward by leaps and bounds, the photo of Big Rock on page 52 of the July, 1999, TRAINS* indicates that there is lots of off-railroad property here for your photos.

*[Note: This material was adapted from info provided by TRAINS Magazine in March of 1999. If you don't subscribe to TRAINS, well, you should. It's an excellent publication. Get on its web site here. ]

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CAHOKIA -- AIRFLITE DRIVE (January 2007)

If you want to see a train, and have very little time, your chances are very, very good at this location. From I-55/I-64, take the first exit east of the Mississippi River and go south on IL-3. Take a left onto Judith Lane, and then a right onto Upper Cahokia Road. The UP tracks will be hard on your left after that last turn. Look for Airflite Drive leading into the St Louis Downtown Parks Airport. Park somewhere in the vicinity of the crossing.

Loaded coal trains are frequently held here, pending the "go" order from the utilities that get the coal. There is plenty of traffic between Dupo Yard and the East St Louis area, thru freights, and local stuff.

This is an excellent photo location, as you can get far enough away to get broad shots of trains in action, not just those boring wedge shots.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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CAMERON (November 2007)

Located via US-34 just west of Galesburg, Cameron is the site of a crossing of the ex-ATSF Transcon and the ex-CB&Q Burlington Route, both of which are now parts of BNSF. The ATSF comes is northeast - southwest, and the Burlington is east - west, with the ATSF crossing overhead. BNSF has constructed a connecting track. There is lots and lots of action.

From the center of town, at 180th Avenue/Railroad Street and 140th Street/Coldbrook Street, take Railroad Avenue west. The crossing is just west of the center of the town. Along the Burlington main as it goes under the bridge are signs of the long out-of-business Rock Island Southern Railroad that when between Galesburg and Monmouth, Illinois.

Frograil thanks Colin Harding for the information about this railfan location.

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CASEYVILLE -- IL-157 (Ex-B&O) (January 2007)

From I-255, take exit 24 east via Collinsville/St Louis roads to an intersection with South Bluff Road. Take a right and head south to a somewhat odd intersection with North Main Street/IL-157. Continue to bear right, and you'll soon be at the overpass of the CSX (ex-NYC) St. Louis - Indianapolis main line. Continue south on IL-157, and you'll come to the crossing of CSX's ex-B&O line from Cincinnati.

Don comments on this location: "The area around the IL-157 crossing in Caseyville offers an almost Appalachian-like setting for the creative photographer."

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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CASEYVILLE -- IL-157 (Ex-NYC) (January 2007)

From I-255, take exit 24 east via Collinsville/St Louis roads to an intersection with South Bluff Road. Take a right and head south to a somewhat odd intersection with North Main Street/IL-157. Continue to bear right, and you'll soon be at the overpass of the CSX (ex-NYC) St. Louis - Indianapolis main line.

In the northern part of Caseyville, the IL-157 overpass offers a scenic sweeping curve for westbound trains with good lighting in the early to mid afternoon.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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CHICAGOLAND -- BARRINGTON (May 15, 2003)

Located approximately 30-35 miles northwest from Chicago on US-14/Northwest Highway, Barrington has a very interest railroad crossing. US-14 closely parallels the UP (ex-Chicago and Northwestern) main line out of the city. Today, most of the traffic on the line is Metra commuter in nature, but the UP does run some freights during non-rush hour times. The "by-pass" of Barrington via US-14 will encounter Lake Cook Road, and you should take a left and head into downtown Barrington. Downtown, the CNW line crosses the Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railway.

To get to the crossing, continue west on Lake Cook until you pass Garfield Street. The next street is Harrison Street, and you can take that north towards the crossing. You'll see a restaurant, Chessie's (complete with a Chessie System caboose), and you can park in the restaurant's rear parking lot. While the bulk of the traffic is Metra during rush hours, you'll also see some UP and EJE during daylight. Take your pix of Barrington Tower before it is no more.

Frograil extends a "Thank You" to Mike Schattl for this excellent contribution.

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CHICAGOLAND -- BERWYN (February, 2000)

Full disclosure, here, folks: I don't know beans about Berwyn, but I do know that it's on the ultra-busy BNSF racetrack between Chicago and Aurora. The February 2000 TRAINS Magazine has a photo from the location, and it's obviously a good place to watch and photograph trains. To get there, you can follow these rudimentary instructions, but please don't think I'll get you trackside. I will, however, get you close, and the rest is up to you. Perhaps you could let me have better directions, eh?

Berwyn is an old, very close-in suburb of Chicago. From the lake, take I-55 west to exit 283, and go north on IL-43, which is Harlem Avenue. Shortly, you will cross Ogden Avenue, which is US-34. Just a few blocks north of Ogden is the BNSF mainline. Between I-55 and the tracks, one suspects that you'll see METRA signs, but use your well-honed railfan nose. The station is at 31st and South Ridgeland, and there is parking there.

Please: If you don't subscribe to TRAINS, do so, It's a great read, and is the best national railfans' mag out there. TRAINS is here.

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CHICAGOLAND -- BLUE ISLAND CROSSING (August 2000)

The Blue Island crossings, overpasses, junctions, etc. are quite complicated, and far beyond the scope of this simple entry. This will get you to a central location in the area, and you can take it from there. The best advice I can give you is to find a local fan, and use him as a guide. You can easily get confused here, and will get frustrated by what you are missing, and what you don't understand.

That said, from the intersection of Broadway Street and South Western Avenue, go west on Broadway. The tower is south of Broadway, and is reached via a dirt road. If access is denied, use your smarts and find another area off railroad property. Rather than run all over the place and try to shoot every train on every track, relax, and let them come to you. Security is a concern here -- both yours and the railroads'. Therefore, have at least one friend with you, and stay off railroad property. Additional information is in Bill Gustason's site, which is: here .

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CHICAGOLAND -- CLEARING SHOPS (August, 2000)

Use the directions to the Clearing Yard, and get to the intersection of Marquette and South Cicero. Go two blocks north to 65th Street, and take a left to head west. Go some 9-10 blocks until you get to South Central Avenue, and take a left. This is the entrance to the shops. [Webmaster's Note: I was here some 9 years ago, and security was lax, as long as you didn't wander around. Stay in parking areas. The interesting thing about this place is that you can see almost any power from any railroad here. Be careful and be cool.

This entry is adapted from an entry in the Greater Capital District Railfan Association pages, which are here. The individual contributor was not identified. Used with permission.

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CHICAGOLAND -- CLEARING YARD (August, 2000)

In a place of big yards, Clearing is bigger than big. It's a Chicagoland railfan icon, and here are some basic directions. Note that the yard is huge, and this will just get your toe in the water, but you won't be able to see a whole lot from most of the area -- security is tight, so be cool and be careful.

Belt Railway of Chicago, along with Elgin, Joliet & Eastern and the Indiana Harbor Belt, does the big job of keeping traffic in and out of Chicagoland fluid. The key to its efforts is gathering, classifying, and sending out cars from Clearing Yard. When you fly into Midway Airport from the south, the view of Clearing is breath-taking. It is said that the acres of railroad yards in Chicagoland exceed the acreage of the entire state of Delaware, and Clearing must surely take up a big chunk of that.

From I-55, take exit 283, and head south on Harlem Avenue/IL-43. At 63rd Street, take a left and head east to South Cicero Avenue/IL-50. Go south on Cicero to Marquette Road. The intersection of Marquette and Cicero is the basic Clearing Yard railfanning starting point. Two suggested locations on Cicero are the Pep boys parking lot and the bridge over the east end of the yard.

This entry is adapted from an entry in the Greater Capital District Railfan Association pages, which are here. The individual contributor was not identified. Used with permission.

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CHICAGOLAND -- CNW/OGILVIE TRANSPORTATION CENTER (October 9, 2001)

From the intersection of I-290 and I-90/94, go east towards downtown on I-290, and exit at Canal Street. Go north on Canal 2 blocks, where Union Station sits between Jackson and Adams streets. Three blocks further north on Canal is Madison Street and what was the Chicago and Northwestern station, now Metra's Ogilvie Transportation Center. BTW, the Center has 14 restaurants in it, so life support shouldn't be a problem. The major problem is probably going to be parking, and you might consider parking in the boonies and taking Metra right into the building. That's a lot more enjoyable than fighting the expressways and streets of this very densely urban area.

All Metra west, northwest and north trains originate at Ogilvie, leaving the station via elevated tracks. From Union Station, Amtrak trains to the north and west go by Ogilvie at grade, and then split to go north or west. If the latter, the tracks go under those of the Metra. As you can imagine, during both morning and afternoon rush hours, there's quite a show here. In the afternoon, you'll want to be one block west of Canal, on Clinton Street. For morning light, try Canal or Lake Street, which is an east-west street.

This is a somewhat dingy urban area, but the major security risks are panhandlers, which proliferate around Union Station. Don't be in the area wandering around at night, and always fan with at least one male friend. The cold is incredible in the winter, so being close to a nice, warm public area like the Ogilvie Transportation Center is a real plus. If you've got a several hour layover at Union Station, this is the way to spend your time!

Many thanks to Sam Martland for the heads up to this site.

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CHICAGOLAND -- O'HARE WALK (August 1, 2001)

Assume any of the following: You're at O'Hare airport, and you've got a multi-hour layover. You're at a conference in one of the many O'Hare area hotels which has just ended/about to start, and you've got several hours to kill. You're on a family vacation in Chicago, and you just want to squeeze in a little railfanning, and you don't have a rental car. You'll be staying in the O'Hare area, and want a convenient, inexpensive hotel close to a railroad. Here's a quick railfan fix, and you'll see trains you can't see in most of the rest of the country.

The O'Hare Travel Lodge is an older, 2-story motel at the northeast quadrant of Mannheim Road (US-12/US-45) and Higgins Road (IL-72) in the far southeast corner of Des Plains. As opposed to the multi-story, large hotels in the area, at this one you can park in front of your door and go in and out, without having to walk down a long corridor, down an elevator, thru the lobby, and then trudge to your car. It'll cost you $80-90 a night (as of 2001, and probably a good bit more in 2007), but that's a lot less than the high-rise, high dollar hotels nearby. At the actual intersection of the two roads, the northeast quadrant has a McDonalds on it, and then there is a creek, and the Travel Lodge is next to the creek (beware of the goose poop anywhere near the creek).

Behind the creek is a vestigial road which parallels Mannheim, and ends within one block at the parking lot of a paving contractor. Walk up this road from the McDonalds east side, and before the contractor's yard is a large parking area. This is right behind the Travel Lodge, but there is a fence around the latter. Walk east thru the parking area, thru the narrow brushy area towards the electric utility substation. In the summer, you will, repeat will, get chiggers going thru the brush, so I'll give you an alternate point of entry in the following paragraphs. Cross the tracks, and walk to the dirt road which goes around the substation. The tracks you just crossed are those of the Canadian National (ex-WCR, exx-SOO, exxx-WC - old WC).

For a guy from rural North Carolina, this is a treat, since CN/WC/IC/GT stuff is never seen anywhere near Frog Pond, and for the foreseeable future, you'll be able to enjoy all of these (as of 2003, but get your pix soon). To make it even sweeter, in the morning and late afternoon, Metra runs several commuter trains over the line. You'll see an average of a train an hour from sunup to sundown.

To best enjoy the area, walk north on the dirt road, and go under I-90. [NOTE: This is the only place in the area where security is an issue, as it is possible that bums might be hanging around under the overpasses, although I didn't see any evidence of such. Remember, it is always wise to fan with at least one male friend.] Continue on to Pratt Road. The dirt road ends, but extends north as Greco Road, and is a quiet, tree-lined suburban street. There is a nice parking area between the ending dirt road and the tracks. If you're driving, this is where to park. Note that for the entire length of the walk, you're never more than 10-15 yards from the tracks, and there are few obstructions north or south.

If you want to avoid the chiggers between the substation and the dead-end road parking area, walk north from the Travel Lodge on Mannheim to Pratt. I don't recommend it, because Mannheim is really busy, noisy and yucky. But chiggers aren't fun either. Your call.

You've been walking by double track so far; it extends all the way into the WC yard in Shiller Park, a few miles south. Just before getting to the next intersection on Greco, the double track ends at "Junction 20", MP20.4. The signals can be helpful. Cross the next street, and there is a defect detector at MP20.6. Across Mannheim, there is a Krispy Kreme store (gasp), so go over and reward yourself to a few artery clogging goodies. You can continue to walk northward, but I don't know how far. This entire walk is photographically ideal for morning southbounds, and there are a few places (plan ahead) where you can get southbound PM trains between Mannheim and the railroad. Northbounds are tough, because you're looking directly into the sun most of the time. Keep this in mind, however: Commuter trains are push-pull, and have the engine on the south. Therefore, in the afternoon, just wait for the commuter cars to go by you, and shoot northward as the engine passes. These move right along, so be prepared.

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CHILLICOTHE -- ATSF STATION (June 3, 2003)

Chillicothe is north of Peoria via IL-29. Check out the barge traffic on the Illinois River along the way. Go right into town, and you'll come to the main intersection of IL-29 and Truitt Avenue. Take a left to go west on Truitt for about 4-5 blocks, and then take a right to go north on Benedict Street. Just continue north until you find the old ATSF/Amtrak station, and park off Benedict.

Thanks are due and extended toPaul Horst who provided the information for this railfan location.

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CHILLICOTHE -- HOULIHANS CURVE (June 3, 2003)

Chillicothe is north of Peoria via IL-29. Check out the barge traffic on the Illinois River along the way. Go right into town, and you'll come to the main intersection of IL-29 and Truitt Avenue. Take a left to go west on Truitt. You'll drive right on out of town, and the railroad will be coming in from the north, but will be out of sight. Pass Blue Ridge Road, and the next real right will be Santa Fe Road. Take this right and the road will very shortly Y. To the right is North Hampton Road, which has an at grade crossing with BNSF (ex-ATSF). The crossing itself is out in the open and OK for photos. The area of the crossing is pretty much the beginning of the significant westbound uphill haul to Edelstein to the west.

To the left of the wye is a very well known rail photo location: Houlihans Curve. Santa Fe Road is the road veering to the left, and you'll shortly see the railroad coming in from your right. The lighting is great for westbounds, but not so great for eastbounds, due to brush. The best location, according to Paul, is "just outside the chain link fence."

Thanks are due and extended toPaul Horst who provided the information for this railfan location.

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DANVILLE -- CSX BREWER YARD NORTH (July 3, 2000)

From the Illinois/Indiana state line on I-74, go west into Illinois, and take the first exit to local road 34, Lynch Road. and go north. [NOTE: see disclaimer] Follow Lynch until it intersects with US-136, and take a left (west). In less than 2 miles, you'll cross the north yard lead to Brewer yard. This trackage (ex-C&EI, exx-L&N) in on an almost perfect NW-SE bias, so you'll have good lighting for some of the trains all of the time!

With a tip o'the hat to Chip Gay, who has taken the time to provide these goodies.

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DANVILLE -- CSX BREWER YARD SOUTH (July 3, 2000)

From the Illinois/Indiana state line on I-74, go west into Illinois, and take the first exit to local road 34, Lynch Road. and go north. [NOTE: see disclaimer] You want to get on Eastgate Drive, which is an industrial road which parallels Lynch. Go south on Eastgate and it will bend around to head 270° westbound, and become local road 1700. The first track you cross is the CSX main line coming up from Evansville, Indiana. You are just south of the yard throat at this point.

With a tip o'the hat to Chip Gay, who has taken the time to provide these goodies.

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DUPO (February 2007)

The Union Pacific yard at Dupo was the Missouri Pacific's main yard on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River. It is a long, fairly narrow thing, that today does a hopping business, mostly with pig trains and local carload work. There is no particular place to fan, but you can see activity along Main Street and within the town of Dupo itself. South of where the yard used to end back in the 80's and early 90's, Union Pacific has extended some tracks to accommodate (primarily) coal trains, and these are visible from the road.. There are some interesting places to take photos, indeed, but it's definitely a morning shot, as the tracks are very much north-south, and there's no access from the west.

If you're coming from Cahokia, go back out to IL-3, and head south. Just before IL-3 blends into I-255, take a right onto Stolle Road/North Main Street, and that will parallel the tracks all the way into Dupo, and all along the border of the yard.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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EAST ST LOUIS -- 20th STREET

This may be the most popular railfan location in Metro East.

The easiest way to get there is to go south on IL-3 from the interstates (combined I-55/64/70) in East St Louis to the traffic lights at Monsanto Avenue. Go left on Monsanto (it'll jog a couple of times) until reaching a T-junction with Falling Springs Road/19th Street. Go left on Falling Springs/19th over two sets of railroad tracks and make the first right on Wilford. Wilford comes to a T-junction with 20th Street/Cahokia Road. Go right. The ersatz "railfan parking lot" is on the east side of the street just past the private entrance into the railroad yards.

What we've suggested is the only way to get here without extensive driving on the streets of E. St. Louis. Cahokia Road was once a through county route that could be used when coming north from Cahokia, but for whatever reason the town of Sauget barricaded it some years ago at the Sauget-East St. Louis border so one is no longer able to get to Valley Junction the easy way. Coming in the way Don suggests is also the safest way as it is primarily via an industrial area. It only becomes residential when one turns right on Wilford.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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EAST ST LOUIS -- FALLING SPRINGS ROAD (KCS) (January 2007)

From Mississippi Avenue/IL-3 in the western part of East St Louis, go north to a right onto Monsanto Avenue, and follow Monsanto thru the chemical plants to a T, and a right onto Falling Springs Road.

There are a few places to see what used to be IC, GWWR, etc, and Falling Springs Road, looking west from the crossing in East St. Louis is one of the best. Here, good morning shots of eastbound trains can be had with the great St Louis Gateway Arch in the background (telephoto lens recommended).

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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EAST ST LOUIS -- KCS YARD

Perhaps the easiest engine facility to view in the Metro East is that of KCS (ex-Gateway Western, exx-Chicago, Missouri and Western, exxx-Illinois Central). From Mississippi Avenue/IL-3 in the western part of East St Louis, go north to a right onto Monsanto Avenue, and follow Monsanto thru the chemical plants to a T, and take a left onto Falling Springs Road/19th Street. Cross some tracks and then take a right onto Wilford Street. Wilford will take you to 20th Street/Upper Cahokia Road. Take a right, and you'll soon cross an Alton & Southern track, and then 2 main tracks of what is now Kansas City Southern. Immediately after passing the latter, take a left to follow the tracks into and along the yard. [Note: This road is paved and not marked as being a private road. It is not, however, on any map I have.]

The engine facility is right next to the road, and you can safely take photos from the south side of the road. Parking may be a problem, because there is a major, steeply dipping drainage dip all along the road here.

If you look at a map of this area, you'll note that there are actually three yards in front of you, as you stand opposite the engine house area. The closest is the present-day KCS yard, the one behind it was a Southern Pacific yard, and the monster beyond that is the Alton & Southern Gateway Yard. You really have a tough time seeing into the ex-SP/SSW yard, and the Gateway Yard is completely out of sight. The ex-SP/SSW yard is still used by UP, primarily for coal train storage (there is no longer an engine facility or other such yard-related activities), and neither that yard nor Gateway is accessible to the public.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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EAST ST LOUIS -- Q TOWER

Historically, Q Tower took B&O traffic from Cone Yard to the east, and sent it both north and south. Also, extensive riverside traffic originated, terminated, and was transferred north and south, and into Cone Yard. Today, the abandoned tower doesn't see the traffic it used to, but CSX trains often stop in what's left of Cone Yard. Light is good here for westbounds from mid-morning on.

Probably the easiest way to get to the junctions is via the Martin Luther King, Jr., bridge from St Louis. The tower and its junctions are actually below the bridge. Getting there via I-55/I-64 is rather complicated, and not for the faint of heart. Just beyond the tracks via the MLK bridge, and before the interstates go overhead, take a right onto Missouri Avenue, another onto North 3rd Street, and a final right onto Park River Drive. Finally, after going under the interstates (you are driving northwest as you go under them), look for Division Avenue on your right and take it to the end. The tower area is straight ahead.

NOTE WELL: This is not a place for an individual railfan. In fact, your Webmaster recommends only fanning with more than two males, and cautions against displaying expensive video, camera, or other equipment. The plant is underneath Missouri Avenue and the lead to the MLK Bridge, so it is very noisy.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page.

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EAST ST LOUIS -- VALLEY JUNCTION (January 2007)

It is very irregular for Frograil to include a location specifically to avoid. After all, this is a Web site that details places to see trains, not to avoid them. Valley Junction should be avoided completely.

If you look at a rail line map of East St Louis, Valley Junction just jumps out at you -- there are dozens and dozens of trains thru here a day, and the variety is really something. However, there are 3 problems. First and foremost, this is the combat zone, and you are asking for trouble being here -- even in broad daylight. Second, Upper Cahokia Road is very busy, there is virtually no shoulder, and there really is no place to set up to photograph trains. Third, the only places to get decent shots require obvious, flagrant trespassing. In a neighborhood like this, you can believe that the railroad police are not passive. They will nail you and you will be unhappy in more ways than one.

Stay away from Valley Junction. You may consider yourself a "combat railfan", but if you hang around Valley Junction, you are a "stupid railfan".

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EAST ST LOUIS -- WILLOWS TOWER

Willows is at the west end of the CSX (ex-NYC) Rose Lake Yard. CSX manifest traffic to/from Cincinnati and Indianapolis goes north to Madison Yard, south to Gateway Yard, and across the river via either bridge. TRRA and other north/south traffic goes thru the interlocking plant. There is a lot of traffic. NOTE WELL: This is not a place for an individual railfan. In fact, your Webmaster recommends only fanning with more than two males, and cautions against displaying expensive video, camera, or other equipment. The plant is underneath I-55/I-70 and Collinsville Road, so it is very noisy. It is also easy to inadvertently trespass here, so be careful not to do so.

To get to Willows, take exit 4/IL-203 from I-55/I-70, and go south to a T at Collinsville Road. Take a right to go west, and you'll shortly go up and over the tower area. Where you fan is up to you, but personal security is a major concern in the entire area. Don points out that 2/10's of a mile west of Collinsville Road on Exchange Avenue, there is a dirt road between the two tracks at the level crossing, and it's then about 4/10's of a mile to the tower.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page.

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EDELSTEIN(June 3, 2003)

From just east of Houlihans Curve, the ex-ATSF busy main line climbs the long and relentless Edelstein Hill. The small hamlet of Edelstein is the place to see the action as the struggling growlers work uphill on single track. In the town, there is an interlocking (Edelstein) that opens the line up to 2 tracks, plus a set of crossovers. On the north side of the tracks is a very nice, broad grassy area to take photos. BNSF puts some 60 trains per 24 hours thru here, so you won't be bored.

To get to this location from the Sequoia Curve location, continue west on Santa Fe Road, which will T with IL-40. Take a left on IL-40 to go south to the village, but do not go up and over the tracks. The railfan location is west of IL-40.

Thanks are due and extended toPaul Horst who provided the information for this railfan location.

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EDELSTEIN -- SEQUOIA CURVE

To get to this location, start from Houlihans Curve, which is detailed here. Continue west on Santa Fe Road, which (very) roughly follows the ex-ATSF from Houlihans to Edelstein. When the tracks are very close to Santa Fe, Sequoia Curve Road will come in from the south. Just west of this point, there is a good spot for east- and westbound photos along a tree-lined valley that passes under the Sequoia Curve Bridge.

Thanks are due and extended toPaul Horst who provided the information for this railfan location.

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FAIRMONT CITY -- IL-111 CROSSING (January 2007)

The Alton & Southern Railroad (ALS) is a major terminal and switching railroad owned by the Class I's in the Metro East area. While run thrus and re-routes have eliminated much of the traffic thru the St. Louis area (carload traffic, that is), the ALS is still a busy railroad, and here is one good place to see it, and driving instructions couldn't be easier: From I-55/I-70, take exit 6, and go north on IL-111. You will very shortly come to the crossing, which is in the middle of a broad 90° curve. This is an at-grade crossing, and the road is busy, so be careful.

Expect to see anything and everything on this line. The "stars" of the line are the ALS SW-1500's and GP38-2's. Unlike the Class I's locos, which you can see anywhere in America at any time, you've got to go to Metro East to see these guys. The view to the west includes the nearby causeway over Horseshoe Lake, and in the distance, the I-55/I-70 complex. To the east is the photogenic curving to the south.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS -- EAST O'FALLON DRIVE

A number of scenic opportunities exist along the CSX (ex-B&O) line as it winds its way up/down the hill between Caseyville and Fairview Heights. Excellent shots can be had of eastbound trains at the first level crossing west of IL-159 when traveling west down the hill on East O'Fallon Drive toward Caseyville. You'll be forgiven for thinking that this is some old, worn out railroad line. This ex-B&O line has had the ex-L&N traffic from the east added to it, has been extensively physically upgraded, and is now a 60mph speedway, so be alert.

From I-64, take exit 24 north via Illinois Avenue to East O'Fallon Drive. Take a left and go to the at-grade crossing.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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GALESBURG -- AMTRAK STATION AREA (June 3, 2003)

From I-74 east of town, take exit 48 and go west on Main Street towards downtown Galesburg. As your are approaching downtown, take a left and go south on Seminary Street. After 3 blocks, Seminary will end, and you must turn to the right. The station will be on your left. There is a vintage steam locomotive and some old railroad cars. The station itself houses an active Amtrak passenger facility. Everything to and from the north will pass this point. This is an afternoon location.

Thanks are due and extended toPaul Horst who provided the information for this railfan location.

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GALESBURG -- CR-10

On I-74 southeast of the town, take exit 51 and go south for a very short distance on State Street/CR-9 to Knox County Road 10. Take a right onto CR-10, and after 3-4 miles or so, you'll go up and over the immense Galesburg yard complex. CR-10 is fairly busy, so don't try to be a tourist while driving over the yard. There is room to park on either side of the bridge, so drive back and forth once or twice to determine the best place for you. The engine facility is on the northwest side of the bridge, and the hump yard is to the south.

Thanks are due and extended toPaul Horst who provided the information for this railfan location.

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GALESBURG -- LINCOLN STREET OVERPASS (August 2004)

From I-74 on the east side of town, take exit 49 and go west into town on East Main Street. At the intersection of IL-167/Lincoln Street, take a right and go north. In 3 blocks, you'll go over BNSF's ex-ATSF main line. Immediately to the west, higher than the ATSF line, is the BNSF ex-BN, exx-CB&Q main line. Just north of the latter's crossing of the ATSF, the ex-CB&Q line splits, with the main heading on to Chicago, and the Savannah line going off to the northwest.

As many as 90-108 trains in 24 hours ply these various tracks, and there are excellent photographic and video opportunities in the area. Lincoln Street is busy, and you have to be careful in the area.

Frograil thanks Mike Messenger for this information.

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GRANITE CITY -- NIEDRINGHAUS AVENUE (January 2007)

In the western edge of Granite City, from IL-3, go east on Niedringhaus Avenue to an at-grade crossing. Traditionally one of the best places to see some action, the best place to be is just south of the crossing near the former WR Tower. Be careful not to trespass. You can see almost anything here, including NS, UP, TRRA, Amtrak, and KCS.

Mid to late morning light is good for southbound trains passing the site of the former tower.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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GRANITE CITY -- ROCK ROAD/19TH STREET (January 2007)

In the western edge of Granite City, from IL-3, go east on Niedringhaus Avenue, cross the tracks, and take your second left onto Benton Street, and the next left onto Rock Road/19th Street. After only a block or so, you'll go up and over the tracks. Trains include those of UP, KCS, Amtrak, but you can see almost anything here. Good pix can be had, but be careful, as the road is busy.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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LAHARPE(March 1997)

The site a former junction on the Toledo, Peoria & Western (TPW), La Harpe is 20-25 miles northeast of Keokuk, Iowa. The Keokuk Junction Railway now owns the track from La Harpe to Keokuk, and interchanges with TPW at La Harpe. According to TRAINS magazine, power for La Harpe-Keokuk trains lays over at La Harpe. Check with local employees.

*[Note: This material was adapted from info provided by TRAINS Magazine in March of 1997. If you don't subscribe to TRAINS, well, you should. It's an excellent publication. Get on its web site here.]

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LAKEVIEW -- NEW POAG ROAD

East of IL-3 between Granite City and Hartford, New Poag Road crosses the KCS/UP/AMTRAK, etc, main line on an overpass. This is one of the better places to catch KCS in the Metro East area.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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MADISON -- BROADWAY/MADISON AVENUE (January 2007)

From IL-3 in the western edge of Venice, go east on Broadway, which will become northeast (and become Madison Avenue at the Madison city limits), and go up and over the northern TRRA Madison Yard throat. Madison is a very large and important yard, and security is very tight. Good views of southbound trains, and eastbound trains off the Merchants Bridge, may be had in the morning.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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MADISON -- C&NW YARD

The Union Pacific absorbed the C&NW, and the former C&NW line into Madison, Illinois has been largely abandoned. All that's really left is C&NW's former Madison Yard in Madison (not to be confused with the huge TRRA Madison Yard further southwest) and a bit of connecting track necessary to serve the Granite City Steel mill complex. The IL-203 overpass provides an excellent overall view of the yard.

From IL-3 in the western part of Venice, take Broadway east. This will turn into Madison Avenue as you cross over the giant TRRA Madison Yard. Once in the town of Madison, take a right on 2nd Street, and go all the way to a T at Macambridge Avenue. Take a right, and you'll soon go up and over the southwestern yard throat.

Don comments: A diesel unit can usually be found in the yard. It's pot luck on finding substantive activity. Have a look if driving by but don't make a special trip. The overpass provides a good afternoon view of the yard throat.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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MITCHELL -- LENOX TOWER

From I-270 in the northern Metro East area, take exit 4 for Nameoki Road/Chain of Rocks Road. Go northeast on Nameoki, which will shortly bend 45° to become Chain of Rocks Road and enter the town of Mitchell. After crossing over the Alton & Southern tracks, take a left to go north on Engineer Road to the area of the interlocking plant. There are enough good photo locations without trespassing. Inbound freights will often stop at Lenox Tower in Mitchell, affording good photo opportunities. Mid-to-late morning is a good time to shoot southbounds at Lenox Tower.

You're likely to see just about everything and anything here, as run-thru power has blurred the lines between the major railroads.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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ROCHELLE(July 1998)

Rochelle has long been a railfan destination of note. It has just gotten a LOT better. The August 95 issue of TRAINS* details, with an excellent map, the scene for us. Essentially, the UP (ex-CNW) Chicago-Omaha/Fremont and the BNSF (ex-BN) Chicago-Savanna mainlines cross at grade here, just north of 1st Avenue, in the vicinity of 12th Street. There are 3-4 trains per hour thru here.

What has made this a better place to watch trains is that the city of Rochelle has done something very smart. They have made a railfan area, complete w/restrooms and other amenities, which make railfans not only comfortable, but also, believe it or not, welcome. Visit Rochelle, spend some money there, and let the town's powers-that-be know how much you appreciate their efforts on our behalf.

In April of 2000, Denny Todd provided me with the following update on the site:

The park has an address and phone number:

Rochelle Railroad Park
124 North 9th Street
Rochelle, Illinois 61068
(815) 562-8107

"Trains go by about every 15 minutes [and] sometimes 2 at a time on parallel tracks. At the top of the slope in the parking lot[,] there is a covered pavilion or picnic shelter about 50 feet from each track on either side that looks down on the X crossing. On a typical day I'm told about 100 trains a day go through Rochelle.

"There was a little gift shop and snack bar ... and we could stay warm and get info about the trains between trains, (also heated restrooms) (a real luxury because we didn't have to leave to find a bathroom)."

*[Note: Some of this material was adapted from info provided by TRAINS Magazine in August of 1995. If you don't subscribe to TRAINS, well, you should. It's an excellent publication. Get on its web site here. ]

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SALEM -- UP YARD (August 30, 2001)

This is a town in the south central part of the state, and is the site of a Union Pacific (ex-MP, exx-CE&I) yard. From I-57 west of town, take exit 116, US-50, and drive east all the way thru town. On the east side of town you'll go under the UP line, and should take the 2nd left turn (which should be Edgewood Road. This will take you trackside at the southeast end of the yard. This is a morning location. Continue north on Edgewood, and it will veer due east just north of the middle of the yard. You'll cross Crooked Creek, and then shortly, the road will go 90° north (Quail Run Road will continue straight east -- don't take it), and you should make the turn.

You'll come to Tonti Road (Local Road 1275), make a left to go over the tracks, and then an immediate right, and you'll be back on Edgewood Road. Edgewood will parallel the tracks for a while, and will then leave to go due north once again, and away from the tracks for good. Before you make the turn, find a place you like for afternoon viewing. Randy states that UP sometimes parks trains south of the Tonti/Edgewood crossing.

This site is thanks to the input from Randy Allard.

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STEWARD(July, 1999)

On the BNSF (ex-CB&Q) between Aurora and Savannah, just under one train per hour goes thru here. From I-39/US-51, take exit 93 and local road-2 into Steward. Stay on 2, and you'll find a small park, in which is a restored CB&Q caboose.

A photo of a train passing thru here graces the July, 1999, issue of TRAINS* Magazine. From that photo, it looks as if getting pictures from off-railroad property wouldn't be a problem here.

*[Note: This material was adapted from info provided by TRAINS Magazine in July of 1999. If you don't subscribe to TRAINS, well, you should. It's an excellent publication. Get on its web site here. ]

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TAYLORVILLE (9207)

NSC At the north side of town, where IL 48 starts its bypass, one engine sits at the huge grain elevator complex.

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TUSCOLA(June 27, 2001)

From I-57 south of Champaign, take exit 212, US-36, and go west, all the way thru town. When, in the west side of town, you see Washington Street, turn right, and go north towards the tracks. As you approach the tracks, you are approaching the UP (ex-MP) and CSX (ex-B&O) tracks, which are parallel thru town, on an east-west bias.

When your reach these tracks, the US-45 overpass will be about 500 feet west of the diamonds where the above-mentioned tracks cross the CN (ex-IC) mainline. This is a very busy junction, where you'll see anywhere between 25-60 trains a day, depending on the day of the week and season. Photography in the area of the diamonds is somewhat limited. Both southern quadrants have the ground drop off steeply, and you really have to get pretty tight to get pix. The northwest quadrant is good viewing, but the sun fights you most of the day. The US-45 bridge has pretty good viewing, but there's no shoulder, so you'll have to park away from the overpass, and hoof it. Be careful on the bridge, because US-45 carries a lot of traffic.

Lots of life support -- motels, restaurants, shopping, etc. -- on the east side of town at I-57.

We owe Chip Gay and Robert Jittler a vote of thanks for this good info.

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VILLA GROVE (June 27, 2001)

From I-57 south of Champaign/Urbana, take exit 212, and go east on US-36. At the village of Camaroo, take a north (left) onto IL-130. Villa Grove is about 5 miles north of US-36. There is a small yard in Villa Grove, but what makes it interesting for fans is that this is a UP crew change point, and trains very politely stop for the camera-toting fans. There is nice viewing from the south. This is a nice place.

Since the tracks are on somewhat of a bias thru the area, get pix from southeast of the tracks/depot in the morning, and northwest of the tracks in the afternoon/evening. Local power, usually 1-2 four axle units will be parked near the depot when not out on the road. The unused Chicago and Eastern Illinois roundhouse is still standing, but the turntable pit has long been filled in.

Eastbound trains usually change crews and get going rapidly, but may sit for awhile for dispatching or crew reasons. Stopped westbounds tie up crossings in town, so they usually recrew and get going very rapidly. The rule in both cases, therefore, is the be ready and get your pix quickly, as the train may be stopped for only a few minutes. Note that hot intermodal trains (Z-trains) fly non-stop thru Villa Grove at 40-50mph, so ALWAYS stay well back from the tracks.

With a tip o'the hat to Chip Gay and Robert Jittler, who have taken the time to provide these goodies.

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WASHINGTON PARK -- HN CABIN

Rose Lake Yard is the big intermodal CSX (ex-CR, exx-NYC facility in the Metro East area. There is no access for us railfans, however, so we suggest HN Cabin as an excellent alternative. From IL-111/Kings Highway in the center of Washington Park, go east on Forest Boulevard. Access to HN Cabin is via a dirt farm road paralleling the east side of the tracks from the at-grade crossing with Forest Boulevard. This crossing is .75 miles east of the intersection of IL-111/Kings Highway and Forest Boulevard. As HN is located fairly far north of Forest Boulevard, an alternative is to park at the A&S crossing just before reaching the access road to the tower and simply let southbounds come to you.

There is plenty of traffic thru here, with CSX intermodal and manifest freight coming from Indianapolis and Cincinnati (ex-CR, exx-NYC; and, ex-B&O, respectively), and transfer and run-thru moves on the north-south Alton and Southern.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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WASHINGTON PARK -- IL-111 OVERPASS

From I-64 in Washington Park, take exit 6 and go north on IL-111/Kings Highway (note that this street is variably called "Kingshighway" and "Kings Highway". The former is probably the most common.).

The IL-111 overpass of the east end of the CSX Rose Lake Yard at the north edge of Washington Park offers good "aerial views" for westbound trains in the afternoon. Shooting eastbounds in the morning is not recommended, as there is no sidewalk on the west side of the bridge. Watch your speed in Washington Park as it is carefully patrolled by the police.

Frograil extends thanks to Don Woodworth, who provided extensive data to flesh out the St Louis area of the Missouri page and that of the St Louis area to the east of the Mississippi, which is covered on this page. Both Don and your Webmaster strongly advise you to fan with at least one male friend within most of the Metro East area, and definitely, do not trespass on railroad property.

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WATSEKA(March 7, 2002)

From Kankakee, go south on I-57 to exit 283 for Gilman. Go east on US-24 (which parallels the TP&W) into Watseka. In downtown Watseka, the Toledo, Peoria & Western crosses the very busy UP/CSX joint line from Chicago. When you cross the joint line tracks, take a right at the first traffic light, which is South Second Street. Cross the TP&W, then turn right into the gravel driveway into the depot. Be sure to stay close to the depot (this portion of the gravel area appears to be public, and it isn't posted). The area near the diamonds is UP property, and you are not at all welcome there.

There is a talking defect detector (MP 75.7) about 1 1/2 miles north, and it announces when both the head and tail ends of the train pass it.

This excellent information provided by Bruce Bridges. Many thanks, Bruce.

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WOODLAND(March 7, 2002)

From Kankakee, go south on I-57 to exit 283 for Gilman. Go east on US-24 (which parallels the TP&W) into Watseka. You'll pick up IL-1 west of town. Go thru Watseka and then go south on IL-1 about 2 miles from downtown Watseka. After about 5-6 miles, take a right onto County Road 1400, and head west into the small town of Woodland. Here, the joint UP/CSX line that runs straight north into Chicagoland splits to go southwest (UP to St. Louis and Gorham) and southeast (CSX to Evansville, IN).

The actual junction is about 1/2 mile south of CR-1400, and the first street west of the tracks offers parking and access in the center of the town as well as at the junction. Since you're on the west side of the tracks, this is an afternoon photo location.

This excellent information provided by Bruce Bridges. Many thanks, Bruce.

From Bruce comes this additional item concerning:

...the route between Watseka and Woodland: It's much easier and more direct (compared to the route suggested) to take 2nd Street south out of Watseka until you come to a "T" intersection. Take a left, go over the bridge, and you're in Woodland. As an added bonus, this road crosses the CSX/UP main on the south edge of Watseka and stays within sight of it most of the way to Woodland, so you're much less likely to miss trains this way than by taking IL-1."

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