While the Loop is distinctively Chicago "L", so are the two dozen grade crossings on the "L". No other heavy rail transit system has them. Here a SB Brown Line train dashes out from behind adjacent buildings to cross Francisco AV in the Albany Park neighborhood on the city's northwest side. This mile long surface operation was actually built across vacant land in 1907. Then the surrounding area rapidly developed into a crowded city landscape of apartments and bungalows. The infamous state governor RB resides a few blocks away. Just how do third rail powered "L" trains cross streets is also shown here.....they coast across since the 600 v. third rail stops 20 ft short of crosswalks. No problem with four or eight car trains, as some cars are always powered. CTA doesn't operate two car trains anymore, to prevent a train getting isolated in the "gap." Rest assured that a set of extension cords called "stingers" is on site at every crossing. And trains don't blow for crossings either, although you might hear a short toot if someone is too close to the tracks.
