The simple, utilitarian 61st Tower is seen looking northwest on September 18, 2009, looking out over the yard whose connection to the Jackson Park branch mainline tracks it controls. The band of windows provides the towerman, whose panel faces the yard, a animatronics view of the yard, the mainline, and the interlocking between the two, as well as the ramp down to 63rd Lower Yard. For a larger view, click here. (Photo by Graham Garfield)

Service Notes:

Services:
	Green Line: East 63rd

Quick Facts:

Established: 1893
Original Line: South Side Elevated
Rebuilt: 1990
Status: In Use

Profile:

61st Tower was put in service in 1893 to control the entry into the new 61st Street Yard on the Jackson Park branch.

In 1990, 61st Street Yard was renovated, including the construction of a new interlocking tower. On May 17, 1990 the old 61st Tower closed and the new 61st Tower went into use.

61st Tower can remotely control 59th Junction. The tower also controls access to the 63rd Lower Yard.

61stYard06.jpg (199k) This view looking south on the East 63rd (Jackson Park) branch on September 18, 2009, shows the 61st Yard on the left, the angled yard leads that cut diagonally across the yard and the connection to the mainline in the right foreground, the connection to the Lower 63rd Yard in the background behind the inbound Green Line train, and in the right middle the 61st Tower that controls the interlocking protecting it all. Note the double slip switch where the south lead and the inbound mainline track cross. (Photo by Graham Garfield)