There was a note on the Ahead of the Torch (AOTT) website about a 120' turntable in Illinois on Department of Transportation property. The table is described as being from the early 1900's and operated by compressed air. It is reported as being in an isolated spot, in its original pit and in an area overgrown with trees. The Illinois DOT apparently has no use for it. A couple of requests for its location have gone unanswered. Anyone have any idea as to the story? Or perhaps it's just a figment of someone's imagination.

Les

I saw that too Les. If you look at this list compiled of surviving turntables and roundhouses there are none listed as on IDOT property (it wouldn't be helpful to call it IDiOT as some native Illinois residents do) but there are a few listed as abandoned, the ex-GM&O one in Joliet caught my eye, it is possible that it isn't abandoned but the state actually owns it:

https://steam.wesbarris.com/roundhouse/?state=IL

I’m the one who shared the post to AOTT Facebook page from the scrapyard Facebook page. I have made a reply asking the original poster for more information, but others have already asked before me and got no response.

PMC -

Thanks for furnishing the roundhouse/turntable link. A GM&O turntable in Joliet, Illinois would have originally been Chicago & Alton (later Alton Railroad) and I'm not sure why they would need a 120' turntable there. The railroad had Chicago suburban service to Joliet, but from the little I know about the line, seems that most of their modern steam power ended with Mikes and Pacific's. BUT, perhaps they had some articulated's earlier. The heavy woods shown in the photo certainly fits the description. So maybe you are well on the way to having discovered the answer. Now if we only knew if the Illinois DOT currently owns the property!

Les

The turntable along the former GM&O is not 120' long. The length is probably closer to the length of the turntable in Forrest, Illinois. I used to be able to see the turntable and remants of the servicing facilities when I was traveling on Amtrak between St. Louis and Joliet. Based on the length and location, it may have been used for the switch engine working the yard at the current NRG power plant. The yard leads branch from the mainline north of the turntable and head west.

Les, Gary: I agree, didn't catch the 120' part, the C&A wouldn't need a 120' turntable. The other remaining but not in use turntables look too short on google maps to me also. I'm sort of leaning toward the idea that we are being trolled.

Perhaps anticipating the relocation and possibility of a CP turntable in Bensenville IL being available? - land has been or will be acquired by IDOT for road expansion. Just a guess.

https://www.stb.gov/filings/all.nsf/608 ... 242680.pdf

All options will impact the west end of the yard which will require
relocation of the turntable. CP expressed that while the turntable is still used, relocation
is a feasible option. Relocation or replacement of the affected shop building would be
required as well."

More details including cost of replacement - this is a huge file. https://www.stb.gov/filings/all.nsf/ba7 ... 242825.pdf

The poster finally made the following reply on Facebook for those of you who don't have a Facebook account

Without details such as the city it is in I am still inclined to believe we are being trolled.

PMC -

As you say, still no evidence. I believe you may well be right.


Les

So I have heard from BC that it is the ex-MILW turntable in Bensonville, which has been taken from CP through imminent domain for a road project, and that IDOT is paying for a new one. Curious why they wouldn't just build a new pit and use the same bridge, but not really surprised. See patentable's post from above, it essentially is correct.

not sure through further research if the "taking" is happening. IDOT moved the ramps 3 miles. not sure what land is being taken. If I led anyone astray - I apologize.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct- ... story.html