Chicago decided almost inadvertently to favor the automobile as early as the 1920s. Although “L” ridership reached its peak in the 1920s, a variety of road projects—including a far-reaching superhighway system—were proposed during this period, as city leaders and planners began to look for ways to adapt the city to the car.

As more citizens chose and were able to purchase and use private automobiles to get around, they began to alter the circulation patterns of the city. Over the next decade, the Chicago Motor Club, with assistance from the pro-business Chicago Tribune, began to agitate for constructing urban highways.

Imlay loop on Milwaukee Avenue

CSL Car # 3208 & 3207 operating as 2 car MU Train on Milwaukee Avenue near Devon. The MU service only went from 1925-1929.

CSL #3221 entering the rear of North Avenue Car Barn, located at Cicero & North.

CSL #3267 is at Division & Austin on the West Division extension. This car will be en route to Grand Ave. Division Street had multiple routings.

[ Top ]

Source:  http://americanhistory.si.edu