ANN ARBOR RAILROAD 1900

Inspection of this railroad shows that the company continues to renew bridge structures, ties and rails. The present year, 183,684 ties have been placed in track; 894 tons of 70-pound steel has been laid; one bridge rebuilt with a 100-foot deck girder and 42 feet of trestle; 2 wood culverts have been replaced with iron pipe; 12 3/4 miles of new fence built, and 26 miles of fence thoroughly repaired. A new passenger station was built at Thompsonville, and one at Frankfort rebuilt. The different sizes of rail are 68 miles of 70 pounds; 204 miles of 60 pounds, and 15 miles of 56 pounds. A new interlocker has been constructed and placed in service at  Milan at the crossing of the Wabash Railroad. A new warehouse has also been built at this point. The company has added two new coal houses, four stock yards, and has rebuilt three of its track scales. This company owns 2,363 freight cars. All are equipped with automatic couplers, and 1,386 cars are equipped with air brakes. All of its locomotives are equipped with power brakes.  This company owns 28 passenger cars, and they are equipped as required by law. The company still continues the work of cutting down grades; right of way is in fair condition; right of way fences adequate; highway and farm crossing plank generally in good condition; passenger stations generally well maintained. Where complaints were made on account of no station facilities, matters were taken up and special inspections made and orders issued. Same will be found in list of complaints. Interlockers at diamond crossings are in fair condition, with the exception of the one at Cadillac, at the crossing of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railway, which you have condemned and ordered out of service, and plans have been submitted and approved for the construction of a first-class machine at this crossing. A few of the highway signs are weather-beaten or broken, and should be renewed. Frogs and switches are generally blocked. There were a number of highway crossings with no cattle guards between Owosso and Ashley. This track has been receiving general repairs, and cattle guards will be placed at crossings in the near future. Company has been ballasting tracks with a superior quality of gravel. Alignment and surface of track fair. The elevation on a number of the curves seems to be insufficient for the speed of the passenger trains. lighter rail is considerably worn at joints; angle bars in poor condition; no switch light west of Alma. The general conditions were found to be satisfactory, with the exceptions herein noted.