Portland Road NE
S.P.R.R. Undercrossing on April 22, 2006
In north Salem, the former Southern Pacific Railroad (now Union Pacific) main line crosses over Portland Road on this elaborate structure.
S.P.R.R. Undercrossing on April 22, 2006
This undercrossing was built under a cooperative agreement between the United States Bureau of Public Roads and the Oregon State Highway Commission in 1936.
S.P.R.R. Undercrossing on April 22, 2006
Kern & Kibbe were the contractors for this undercrossing. A similar undercrossing was built the same year in Oregon City by a different firm.
S.P.R.R. Undercrossing on April 22, 2006
In addition to carrying the railroad over the road, there are also sidewalks on both sides.
S.P.R.R. Undercrossing on April 22, 2006
The sidewalks are separated from the road and are several feet above it.
S.P.R.R. Undercrossing on April 22, 2006
Gothic ironwork, far nicer than anything that would be installed today, keeps pedestrians from throwing items into the road.
S.P.R.R. Undercrossing on April 22, 2006
The gothic ironwork in these pedestrian tunnels is actually quite extensive.
S.P.R.R. Undercrossing on April 22, 2006
Other details on the Art Deco undercrossing that wouldn't be seen in modern highway construction include the decorative pillars at the end of the handrails.
S.P.R.R. Undercrossing on April 22, 2006
These concrete pillars appear at the end of the handrails at all four corners of the undercrossing.
S.P.R.R. Undercrossing on April 22, 2006
Another detail that wouldn’t be seen in modern highway construction is the Southern Pacific Railroad's herald in the concrete above the roadway.
S.P.R.R. Undercrossing on April 22, 2006
The Southern Pacific Railroad doesn’t even exist anymore, but the name will live on here for years to come.
S.P.R.R. Undercrossing Streetlight on April 22, 2006
Modern streetlights have been installed in the area around the undercrossing. This style of streetlight seems to be unique to this location, at least as far as Portland Road is concerned.
S.P.R.R. Undercrossing Streetlight on April 22, 2006
Additional Links:
SPRR Underpass at Discover-Neighborhood-History
Historical Photos:
Site of Southern Pacific Undercrossing under construction, March 9, 1936 (Salem Public Library)
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