This view brings us back to a time when the LIRR’s Montauk line ran across busy roadways. The Olivet Tower controlled train routing, track switches, and signal systems. Here we see the crossing arms in the lowered position, stopping traffic, including the Flushing Avenue trolley line. This appears to be a test of the equipment with no train coming as there are people standing near and on the tracks and only one set of arms is in operation.

Today, the tower and several of the buildings are gone, as much of the area was demolished to accommodate federally mandated underpass construction which took place in 1960 to make passage safer for pedestrians and motor vehicles. The trolley line became the B57 bus line. The overhead wires that powered the trolleys were no longer needed, and therefore removed. The Belgian block and rails were paved over. While the underpass improved safety, it created other problems which we still live with today and were detailed in the last Berry. Hopefully, they will be addressed soon.