Interlocking: Oxford, MI - XN Tower

XN interlocking tower was located in Oxford, Michigan and was the crossing of the Michigan Central Bay City branch (Detroit to Bay City) and the Grand Trunk Western PO&N Branch (Pontiac to Caseville).

Photo Info: Top and 2nd photos, the XN Interlocking Tower at Oxford. [Ernie Novack photo, Robert Michalka collection]. 3rd photo, Oxford depot and tower in 1956 with a passing GTW locomotive. [Ed Nowak photo, Charles Geletzke Jr. Collection]. 4th photo, a Sanborn insurance map of the crossing from 1937. In addition to the depot and tower, note the "Union Hotel" on the northeast corner of the crossing. [SBM]

Notes

Location: 42^o49.684'N / 83^o15.816'W.

Time Line 

1883. The crossing was originally protected by a gate and target signal until 1893.

1893. An interlocking tower and plant was built, consisting of 12 working levers on a 20 lever Saxby & Farmer style machine. The tower was staffed by the MC. [GTWHS-2022-Fall]

1928. Semaphores on the crossing are replaced by target signals. [GTWHS-2022-Fall]

1939. Derails protecting the crossing are removed. [GTWHS-2022-Fall]

1961. The Oxford interlocked crossing of the NYC Bay City Branch and the GTW's PO&N Branch is automated and the tower is closed.  [CW]

1976. Conrail ceases operation on this portion of the Bay City branch.

1986. The GTW removes its track. [GTWHS-2022-Fall]