Work on Augusta Subway railroad overpass started 100 years ago

AUGUSTA, Ill. — Survey work got underway 100 years ago for a prominent feature that helped progress in Augusta.

The Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad overpass along Highway 61 on the west side of town was known as the Augusta Subway in 1922. A tragedy led to its construction, and another would take place just months after it was finished.

Henry Baker was killed when the farm wagon in which he was riding was struck by a Quincy-bound train in December 1920. 

Preliminary work got started in 1922, government red tape and other delays pushed completion of the overpass to December 1929. Augusta Mayor S.G. Swanson kept the project on track, even using some of his own money to prevent it from derailing.

The viaduct – then and now – doesn’t handle water well after heavy rains. Swanson was inspecting drainage pipes atop it in August 1930 when he was struck and killed by a train. He’s buried within sight of the structure.

Despite the tragedies, the Subway was considered a major transportation improvement and aided in Augusta’s growth. Freight trains and Amtrak still use the crossing.

Brent Engel is a native of Augusta who now lives in Louisiana, Mo. He is the public relations officer for the North East Community Action Corporation.