Old trolley rails in The Blade's parking lot

Some years ago, when a city of Toledo contractor rebuilt part of Cherry Street, abandoned trolley tracks were discovered in the old pavement during the demolition phase. Now a similar situation has arisen in The Blade's parking lot, and along with unearthing a bit of history, we're also experiencing first-hand how construction projects can take longer than expected.

A contractor rebuilding the parking lot here has unearthed not only some rail, but also foundations from several buildings that surely were once part of Toledo's downtown terminal complex for electric interurban trains a century ago.

I learned of this because newspaper staff were just notified that, because of the rails and other unforseen construction issues, the parking lot work will take at least a week longer than previously expected. Having covered street construction -- and reconstruction -- projects in these parts for more than 18 years now, this extension had a very familiar ring to it. So, ye who tire of the orange barrels, take comfort that construction delays even affect the parking lot at The Blade. Except that we only have cones -- no barrels here.

TARTA, which took over Community Traction in 1971, took some of the old trolley rail from Cherry Street and carved it up into slices to put on plaques. Perhaps The Blade will find a use for the rail found in our lot. Upon being told of the find, James Gee, TARTA's general manager, said, "Just please don't send me a bill for the overtime."

 

Comments

[Susanna Leskinen]

That is a huge parking space for sure a lot of vehicles will park in that place,in Finland there is some parking control companies which is organizing very well so everything is smooth.

[oakland airport]

Perhaps The Blade will find a use for the rail found in our lot. Upon being told of the find, James Gee, TARTA's general manager, said, "Just please don't send me a bill for the overtime."