1952 Press Photo New Railroad track laying between Kansas City and Chicago

The largest railroad project since the war, the Burlington Road's Kansas City short cut, costing $16,000,000, will be opened for freight service Tuesday and later for passenger trains. The 71 mile line east of Kansas City levels hills, straightens curves, reduces mileage and will speed service. The relocation shortens the route between Chicago and Kansas City by 22 miles. The picture shows a track laying machine at work in Summit cut, on of the hilly sections through which the new route passes. The cut through rock is a mile long.

Photo is dated 1952.

Photo measures 10 x 8.25 inches.