Chicago's Lost Freight "L" | The 606 Elevated Rail Path Explained

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The 606 Trail, also known as the Bloomingdale Trail, is an innovative urban park and elevated greenway in Chicago that stretches for 2.7 miles along the city’s northwest side. This linear park sits atop the repurposed Bloomingdale Line a former rail viaduct built in the early 1900s to alleviate congestion and increase safety by elevating freight trains above street level.

Originally constructed as part of the Chicago & Pacific Railroad, the Bloomingdale Line served as a bustling corridor for industrial freight, weaving through the neighborhoods of Wicker Park, Bucktown, Logan Square, and Humboldt Park. Over time, as Chicago's industry shifted and rail traffic declined, the line fell into disuse by the late 20th century. The elevated tracks, once a symbol of industrial progress, were left abandoned, overgrown with vegetation, and became a quiet yet looming presence in the urban landscape.

In the early 2000s, community groups and urban planners reimagined the viaduct as a public green space that could connect neighborhoods, provide recreational opportunities, and offer a unique vantage point of the city. The transformation into the **606 Trail**, named after Chicago's area code, was completed in 2015. The project not only preserved a piece of Chicago’s industrial heritage but also gave it a new life as a vibrant public space.

Today, the 606 Trail is a beloved destination for walkers, joggers, bikers, and families, featuring landscaped pathways, art installations, and access points to adjacent parks. It seamlessly blends urban history with modern design, offering a dynamic way to experience Chicago’s neighborhoods while paying homage to its past.


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IT’S HISTORY - Weekly Tales of American Urban Decay as presented by your host Ryan Socash.

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