Timetable: MCRR - Saginaw Branch - Denmark Junction to Saginaw Branch Junction

The Detroit & Bay City railroad built north from Detroit to Bay City via Lapeer and Vassar in 1879, eight years after their original line was built directly to Bay City. The railroad realized that the community of Saginaw was a significant location for forest products and this short 18 mile branch line was constructed. Northbound passenger trains soon diverted through Saginaw, and the line between Denmark Junction and Bay City East Side was downgraded to mostly freight operation. Siding capacity is from 1897 and is based on 44' car lengths.

Key: BB=Bascule Bridge | C=Coal | CS=Car Shop | D=Open > Day | DN=Open Day and night | DS=Dispatcher | DT=Double Main Track | EH=Engine house | F=Diesel Fuel | HI=Half Interlocked Crossing | I=Interlocked Crossing | J=Junction | LB=Lift bridge | N=Open at night | P=Passing Track w/40' car capacity | Q=Quarry | RH=Roundhouse # stalls | RT=Railroad Resort | S=Scales | SB=Swing bridge | T=Turntable | TC=Telegraph call | W=Water | X=Crossing | Y=Wye | Yard=Yard

Notes

Time Line

1878. In three weeks, the D&BC will be completed to East Saginaw, the line from Vassar [Denmark Jct.] being graded and the iron almost all laid. The bridge across the Saginaw River is completed. It is the bridge built by Capt. Craw for his proposed Chicago, Saginaw & Canada Railroad, and was bought at a very reasonable rate on the collapse of the -scheme- to bring Craw's project into Saginaw on a line close to and parallel with Jerome's Saginaw & St. Louis Valley Railroad. The line to Bay City is in fair condition and there is every reason to expect an improvement in business of the road under the new management. Mr. Callaway, formally with the Detroit & Milwaukee, will assume the duties of Superintendent on the Bay City Road in a few days. [DFP-1878-1031]

1879. The first train for Saginaw over the D&BC railroad left Detroit Saturday afternoon (1/4/1879) consisting of an engine and nineteen cars. Trains will run regularly on and after Monday. [1879-0105]