(November 20, 1962): The New York Central (now Norfolk Southern) Railroad underpass on Bryan’s North Main Street was formally dedicated.
Baker and Hickey of Columbus were awarded the construction contract at a cost of $928,732.20. Construction of the underpass began on September 27, 1961.
Completion of the underpass dramatically changed North Main Street. The railroad’s water tower, removed in 1956, and Goldie Newman’s Deluxe Market are shown on the left. The railroad crossing watchman’s shack is visible on the right.
Watchmen were eliminated when automatic crossing gates were installed in 1951.
This 1950 image, taken looking northwest from the south side of the railroad, is from the Williams County Public Library’s Photographic Archives–Courtesy of the Williams County, Ohio, Local History Exchange.