Location: Negaunee, MI - Iron Street Crossover

The Marquette, Houghton & Ontonagon railroad had established their line in 1872 from Marquette, via Negaunee, and west to Ishpeming and beyond. Their line through Negaunee was roughly parallel to Iron Street on the south side of town.

The Detroit, Marquette & Western had built their line from St. Ignace to Marquette (in the south yard area), and desired favorable connections with the MH&O west from Marquette. Apparently the MH&O was not cooperative, so the The DM&W formed another company - the Marquette & Western - to compete with the MH&O between Marquette and Ishpeming.

But the MH&O refused to allow the M&W to cross their tracks in Negaunee. The matter was referred to Michigan;s Commissioner of Railroads, and the Commissioner sided with the MH&O. He ordered the M&W to build a bridge over the MH&O main line. The bridge was built and the line put into use in 1884.

The bridge, as shown on the accompanying Sanborn map, was substantial, especially considering that this was adjacent to the central business district in Negaunee. The bridge was built with iron, though some of the approaches may have been timber.

Notes

Within a year of the completion of the M&W, both lines were in financial trouble. The M&W was sold in 1882 to the MH&O, and the bridge came down shortly replaced by a junction at grade.

This location along Iron Street, was about 3 blocks west of the now abandoned Snow Street, in the area of Negaunee which was abandoned due to caving ground from the Jackson Mine.

Note the Jackson Iron Company's No. 7 engine house and excavation near the crossing.

The location of the Iron Street Crossover was at 46.499035, -87.617931.

Time Line