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ANN ARBOR RAILROAD 1900

The property was inspected August 2nd and 3rd. This .line extends from the State Line in Monroe county to Frankfort in Benzie county, a distance of 286 miles. The general condition of this property is much improved since the last inspection. 106,477 new ties having been placed in track, 44 1/2 miles of new 85 lb. rail laid. 24 miles of rail relaid 70 lb. The Company has also adopted the tie plate, 17,080 of them being used this year. Considerable ballasting has been done, 35.640 yards of ballast having been placed in track this season. Bridge structures receive careful attention. One new steel bridge built this year, one new passenger station built at a cost of $1,340. There still remains a number of places where there should be new passenger stations; 9 miles of new side track and spurs have been built during the year. Right of way fences generally in satisfactory condition, however, there are several places where a new fence should be built. The Company is making considerable improvements in their fences, 14 miles of new fence having been built and 20 miles of fence repaired. Weeds on right of way not cut as required by law. There are several types of cattle guards. The steel surface cattle guards were generally in poor condition. All bridge structures not equipped with inside guard rails. Switch stands equipped with double and single targets.  Main line switches equipped with switch lights and locks. Crossing signs generally satisfactory. Whistle posts provided for highway crossings. Interlocking switch and signal systems fairly well maintained. The Company are changing their cabooses to comply with the State Law. The Company has added to their equipment during the year 13 new locomotives at a cost of $212,550; one observation cafe and parlor car at a cost of $16,203; two passenger coaches costing $24,654; 800 freight cars at a cost of $826,800. There are 396 grade crossings on this line, 13 of these are over or under grade, 3 of the grade crossings protected with safety gates, 17 protected by flagmen and 12 by automatic bells. The Company is having a new steel car ferry built with a capacity of 32 standard cars and when completed will cost $400,000. A new passenger station will be built at Cadillac the coming year at a cost of $25,000. Frogs and switches generally blocked as required by law.