UD TOWER

The original UD interlocking tower, formerly staffed by Metra (and previous to that Rock Island) has been closed and the signaling and control functions have been automated and transferred to Union Pacific in Omaha and BNSF in Fort Worth.  (The control point is named "UD Tower.")  The tower building was kept in place -- original plans for the Joliet Gateway Center had it being demolished, but the base of the tower forms part of the wall holding up the embankment the tracks sit on.  The contents of the tower have been preserved, and the City of Joliet and the Joliet Area Historical Museum are working on turning the tower into a museum and viewing platform with an opening planned for March of 2023.

Blackhawk is currently involved preparing descriptive materials to explain the purpose of the tower and the history of Joliet's railroads to future visitors to UD Tower.  The tower was anticipated to be open to the public some time in 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  (Interior photo of UD control room by Robby Gragg.)