ANN ARBOR RAILROAD.
This property was inspected from the state line to Frankfort, on July 20 and 21. This road crosses the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway at Federman and Pittsfield Junction; Detroit, Toledo & Ironton at Dundee; Wabash at Milan; Grand Trunk at Lakeland; Pere Marquette at Annpere, Alma, Clare and Thompsonville; and the Grand Rapids & Indiana at Cadillac. These are grade crossings and are all protected with full interlocking systems, which were found to be in good condition and full protection afforded at each except at the crossing of the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton at Dundee. This interlocking system was faulty in the locking; orders were given to remedy the same. This road also crosses the Michigan Central Railroad at Ann Arbor by means of over grade. This structure is first class and well maintained. It also crosses the Michigan Central at Owosso Junction at grade. This crossing is protected with a semaphore target at the crossing. They also cross the Manistee & North-Eastern Railroad near .Mesick by means of over grade; also at Copemish with crossings at grade, the same being protected by gates.
Switch-stands are provided with single and double targets, also lights and locks. Highway crossings were found to be generally satisfactory. Cattle-guards are fairly well maintained, however, several were found to be too narrow for the opening between the wing fences, and several of the crossings were not provided with cattle-guards. The right of way fence at many points should be renewed. The fencing has been the subject of considerable correspondence. Considerable new fence has been built during the past year and the company has promised to renew fencing at several points along the line. The rail in the track is generally satisfactory, however,, it was noted that the rail between mileposts 14 and 20 was badly surface bent as well as battered at the ends. This rail will be renewed and rail is now distributed for this purpose. The rail in the track is from 70 to 85 pound. 85 pound rail being the standard. The track is ballasted generally with a good grade of ballast. The surface and alignment of the track is fair. The tie renewals have not been as liberal as should be for the traffic presented, however, the company has a large number of ties to be placed in the track and the officials of the company assure us that the tie renewals will be very much larger inside of ninety days. The bridge structures are receiving special attention and the necessary repairs being taken care of.
Station buildings are generally satisfactory, however, there are a number of stations that are too small for the traffic presented. A number of new stations have been built on the line. The new station at Cadillac is of the most modern architectural design and is convenient and comfortable for the traveling public and the company is entitled to credit for the erecting of such a building.
The freight and passenger equipment seems to be maintained satisfactorily and as required by law except that engines are not equipped with headlights as required. Blocking of frogs and switches fairly well maintained. Very little attention is given to clearing the right of way of weeds. The automatic crossing alarm bells were found to be working fairly well. The principal fault to be found with these devices is that the batteries are weak and not sufficient to give warning loud enough to warn the Public of approaching trains. The passenger service seems to be reasonable and all that should he required of the company.
An order was issued June 18th requiring that an extra trainman be provided on steam trains substituted for motor car trains on the Ann Arbor Railroad.
