Then and Now: Gwynne-Russell overpass

0

The 1926 photo belonging to Champaign County Historical Society Museum back “Then” was identified as the building of the Gwynne and Russell Street railroad overpass. The overpass appears to be actually across Gwynne Street, but the photo is looking toward the Russell Street intersection. A crane is lifting concrete building blocks into place. Standing on Gwynne Street looking east, five men are working on the job. There is a concrete mixer being used and notice the street appears to be dirt roadway.

The 2016 “Now” photo finds Gwynne Street paved with sidewalks on both sides. This overpass has a higher clearance measurement of 15 feet, two and a half feet more than the clearance existing at the Light Street underpass, show in another of the “Then and Now” photo series belonging to the Champaign County Historical Society Museum assembled by Ward Lutz. The traffic light at Russell Street is visible looking through the bridge used for both the Simon Kenton Pathway Bike Trail and one set of viable train tracks, side by side. Come to the Champaign County Historical Society Museum at 809 East Lawn Avenue, Urbana, Ohio, to see and learn more about our local heritage. Open Mondays and Tuesdays from 10 to 4, staffed with volunteers, and open one Sunday a month at 2 pm with a program. Also opened by scheduled appointments.

Constructing the Gwynne and Russell Street railroad overpass, 1926.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/06/web1_a1943-then.jpgConstructing the Gwynne and Russell Street railroad overpass, 1926.

This 2016 photo shows a paved Gwynne Street with sidewalks on both sides.
https://www.urbanacitizen.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/36/2016/06/web1_a1943-now.jpgThis 2016 photo shows a paved Gwynne Street with sidewalks on both sides.

By Sheryl Virts

Champaign County Historical Society

Submitted by the Champaign County Historical Society.

No posts to display