[PRCo] Rt. 49 and Brownsville Ave. single track

[John Swindler]

Within the past couple weeks there were several messages concerning the 
single track on Brownsville Ave. on the north side of Mt. Washington.

Just for the record, at least under Pittsburgh Railways, Brownsville Ave. 
was originally double track, not single track.


Was curious about a reference to a 1923 agreement to run and operate 
streetcars through Mt. Washington Tunnel.  After all, why would there be a 
need for an agreement in 1923, twenty -some- years after the opening of Mt. 
Washington tunnel???

Turns out that PUC docket A-7933 is a request for the PUC to bless an 
agreement dated 25 Sept. 1922 between the Mt. Washington Tunnel Co., Mt. 
Washington Street Railway Co. and Pittsburgh Railways Co. on the one part; 
and the Brownsville Ave. St. Ry., West Liberty Street Railway and Pittsburgh 
and Birmingham Street Railway on the second part.

The agreement provides for the 'temporary' abandonment for 49 years of one 
of the tracks on Brownsville Ave. between Warrington Ave. and Carson St. due 
to City of Pittsburgh repaving.  The agreement provides for perpetual right 
to operate streetcars through the Mt. Washington Tunnel for the three 
companies listed in second part in the event that the second track on 
Brownsville Ave. is not relaid.  Why this agreement?  The testimony mentions 
that the reason for the agreement is to protect the three companies of 
second part in event of a break-up of the Pittsburgh Railways system.  It 
further mentions that service on Brownsville was limited to a "special car" 
that carried 200-300 riders per day.  Also, that the cost for single track 
would be $75,000 while the cost for double track would be $125,000.  And the 
contract involving the City of Pittsburgh is not with Pittsburgh Railways.  
It is between the City of Pittsburgh and the Brownsville Street Railway Co. 
Again, this is in 1922.

(this could have interesting implications for modeling South Hills Jct.)

For Jim's benefit, also looked up A-13958 of 1925 which provides for 
extension of the West Liberty and Suburban Street Railway route in City of 
Pittsburgh and Overbrook Boro.  It didn't apply to 35/36/37, as suspected, 
but to route 39-Brookline.

Under this application, PUC approved: extension of the West Liberty and 
Suburban Sreet Railway Co. over private of way, beginning at point on curve 
west of Birchwood Ave., then east 313 feet to city line, along proposed 
extension of Brookline Blvd., then east another 333 feet in Overbrook Boro 
to a loop.  Purpose, according to testimony, was to service land owned by 
West Liberty Improvement Co., suited for residence purposes, and provide a 
loop (for 39-Brookline cars).  Total round trip distance listed as 2,000 ft.

So the 39 Brookline loop was not original, but later add-on.

Just trying to keep current!

John





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