Toledo Beltway Railroad

Toledo Beltway Railroad. . , Always a hub for transportation, by the turn of the 19th century Toledo was the third largest rail center in the United States. Twenty-four railroads serving the city were vital to making Toledo the business center of Western Lake Erie. In 1900, there were so many railroads entering Toledo that a loop line was proposed to ease flow from one line to another. The Upper Maumee River Swing Bridge was a part of the 28.59-mile Toledo Beltway System, the first neutral terminal system in the United States. Finished in December 1903, it was officially called the Toledo Railway and Terminal Company. At its peak, over 170 rail cars a day moved through the system, shaping early twentieth century industrial development of Toledo. , Did you know? , The Toledo Beltway System eventually extended over 56 miles and included branch lines, terminals and four bridges.