FREE INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE 



31 



THE ELIMINATION OF GRADE-CROSSINGS IN CITIES 



given time, taking into consideration the demands for other pubHc improve- 

 ments. The railroad should provide for its fixed charges and the growing 

 demand for better service of all kinds. Neither the city nor the railroad 

 is justified in entering into any work of such magnitude as will cripple other 

 necessary demands. 



The detail question as to how the crossings are to be eliminated depends 

 upon the conditions of each and every case and should be decided only after 

 the most careful studies. The ruling factors are efficiency, economy, minimum 

 damage to adjacent property and such esthetic consideration as is possible. 



The division of cost between the interests involved is a most difficult one. 

 It depends to a certain extent upon the priority of the location of the railroad 

 or the street and possibly on other local considerations. In the majority of 

 cases when there is a similarity of interests a fair beginning for the negotia- 

 tions for the discussion of cost is upon an equal division between the interests 

 involved. 



