Location: Kerchival Avenue Crossing, Detroit, MI (MC Belt/DSR)

This is the grade crossing of the Detroit Street Railway Gratiot Avenue line and the Michigan Central Belt Line on the near east side of the City of Detroit. 

Notes

This was in the south end of the MC's Benson Yard.

Time Line

1906. Officials of the MC and DUR railways were before Railroad Commissioner Atwood today in regard to the petition of Detroit citizens for better protection at the Kercheval avenue crossing of the MC Belt Line in Detroit. Mechanical Engineer Bice of the railroad department, had recommended the installation of a full interlocker, and the question of expense was the bone of contention. Commissioner Atwood thought the cost of the protection should be divided between the railroad and the street railway companies but the MC officials objected, contending that 1,258 street cars pass over the crossing for every 26 locomotives, the street railway company should foot the bill for the interlocker. No decision was noted. [DFP-1906-0913]

1917. The MC had a crossing leverman here. [TRT]

1935. This interlocking tower was discontinued. The MC automated six Belt Line/DSR railroad crossings by installing combination automatic interlockings which were also connected to street crossing signals. [RSE-1936-02] The DSR had two tracks on Gratiot at this time, the MC Belt had three tracks.