The double-slip switch on track 2 between Union Station and East Side Tunnel in Providence, R.I. was a busy piece of specialty track. Although it's hard to see the two-headed signal, it guarded the tunnel entrance on No. 2 track, which was the main freight eastbound stem. Its indication was usually "clear"for approaching trains. No. 1 track, coming from a wye in East Providence and through the tunnel led to a short storage track at left. Trains exiting the tunnel would cross over to track 2 and continue to the station - and usually getting restricting signals. The slip is lined from the city post office, behind the camera to the right, to track 2. New Haven Alco S-2 switchers usually did the chores for the mail, but occasionally a GE 44-ton engine would be called upon.

Photographed by Leo King, 1954.
Added to the photo archive by Leo King, May 17, 2004.
Railroad: NY, NH & H.

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