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Joliet tower closes this weekend
Turn the upper portion of the tower into a railfan observation area.
Happy to hear about the possible museum. I like the railfan observation area idea, too (@Braden Keyganich). I fully support modernization and progress, but I lament the loss of these towers and their interlocking apparatus as many do the loss of steam power.
The details in this article are pretty lacking.
Metra Rock Island District trains do not cross the diamonds; they now stop at a new permanent platform east of the crossing. (It still has a trailer as a temporary ticket office, though.)
Amtrak and Metra Heritage Corridor (former Chicago & Alton / GM&O) use a temporary platform to the north of the tower (east side of the BNSF and UP tracks) while a new permanent platform is under construction to the south of the crossing.
Technically, CN does not own any tracks at the tower. Ownership switches between CN and UP a couple of blocks to the north.
CSXT and Iowa Interstate freight trains are the only ones that now cross the diamonds on the ex-Rock Island route.
I’m glad they are saving the structure, and I like Braden’s idea of using the upstairs as a viewing perch. Maybe keep the interlocking machine (inoperable) and diagram board (operable) there, too?
Good thing that Metra does not plan to follow the leas of CSX and the Sand Patch Tower, which quickly ended up a pile of rubble.
The tower could be used as a spot for railfans to watch trains. Perhaps a small addmission fee could be charged or a box set up at the door to collect voluntary donations to pay for some costs.