Opening in 1881, the route was built for parent company Grand Trunk Railway to allow service to the stockyards along the route.
The new line was double tracked, and was constructed between Eldson (near Western Avenue) and the Chicago & Western Indiana near Wallace Street.
In 1897, the Terminal Railroad opened a parallel double track railroad on the north side of the GTJ.
During 1901, the GTJ was reorganized as the Grand Trunk Western, and the Terminal Railroad was purchased by Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad in 1906.
Despite the heavy freight traffic on the line, the Union Stock Yards closed in 1971. In 1983, the GTW closed their segment of the line, followed by the IHB in 1988.
Currently, the route sits abandoned. The elevated portion of the track, constructed in 1907-1908, would make an excellent trail, similar to the 606 Trail. However, no formal plans have been suggested.
06/26/21
Located in the New City neighborhood of Chicago, this through girder bridge crosses South Paulina Street at W. 49th Street.
Built in 1907 as the Indiana Harbor Belt and parallel Grand Truck raised their tracks through the area, the bridge consists of a trio of through plate girder spans, set onto concrete and steel substructures. While the bridge was originally built for four tracks, only the two GTW tracks remain.
In addition, the bridge consists of a ballasted deck. This deck has protected the bridge since construction. The bridge has been abandoned for many years, although it has not been removed.
This type of bridge is typical for this specific separation, which spans from Western Avenue to Halsted Street.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition, with little significant deterioration. It is unknown who currently owns the bridge, although it is believed that Indiana Harbor Belt does.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.