Iowa Wigwags

Iowa Wigwags

Epworth
Peosta

Epworth
Note: This wigwag was removed during May 2001. More info below...

Dave Hudson catches the Epworth wigwag in action on 10/6/00
as an Illinois Central train passes by.

This Wigwag is located just east of Epworth, Iowa at the Mozena Rd.crossing. It is visible from US-20, however, you really need to be looking for it. It's at MP 201 (from Chicago). This is a Western Railroad Supply Co. lower quadrant wigwag. Another wigwag further east on this particular line is located in Galena, Illinois. (ICRR Iowa Div)

Close up of banner. Note disc is solid black.

Dave Hudson sends us this grim photo (6/01)

Dave provides more info:

"The CN has been doing a lot of upgrades to the line from Sioux City to
Dubuque. The track near Epworth is 50 MPH territory now and is supposed
to be seeing an increase in train traffic because of a joint arrangement between the BNSF and the CN. I guess I don't understand why the wigwag
was removed and replaced by non-flashing signs. Mozena road sees very
limited traffic."

Peosta
Note:
This wigwag was retired in August 2002.

Here is another WRRS lower quadrant wigwag (with US&S "teardrop" bell),
located near Peosta, Iowa. Dave Hudson tells us more:

This wigwag is located at the CN (ICRR) Cox Springs Road crossing near Peosta, Iowa in Dubuque County. (As of 9-30-00 the Illinois Central ceased to exist and this is now a Canadian National wigwag.)

I have included a map of the location and the approximate coordinates for this location are:

N 42-27-16.9
W 90-49-58.6

This means in a span of about 40 railroad miles, 4 wigwags still exist. (From Galena, Illinois to Epworth, Iowa.) I wonder how long the Canadian National will allow these units to remain?

Dave catches it in action during early December, 2000.

All photos by Dave Hudson. 8/00, 10/00, 12/00.

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