We pretty much take it for granted today, and don’t particularly notice the underpass on Park Avenue East: it is simply a landmark on the way through.
But in 1925, when the roadway was dug out underneath the railroad tracks, that bit of road was a miracle: it meant that traffic was no longer backed up forever behind slow-moving trains.
There was a mix to this blessing however, as every few years the low point would fill up with rain water.
The cover photo was taken in 1955, after a sudden storm stranded a soggy motorist; the other from 1974.
(Photo from the Richland Soil & Water Conservation District. Thank you!)
For more photos of this Park Avenue East landmark, check out: Then & Now: Park Avenue East underpass 1924
