The Pacific Electric Railway in Southern California       Maps of the Torrance Area       Source: U.S. Dept of the Interior, Geological Survey     On the map above, you can see the Pacific Electric Torrance line (labeled Southern Pacific) diverging from Normandie Blvd at Dolanco Junction (about 205th), passing under the viaduct on Torrance Blvd, diverging from the shop line at the Torrance station, splitting into a passenger line (on Cabrillo) and a freight bypass (next street to the east). At Plaza Del Amo, the passenger and freight lines rejoined, returning to Normandie Blvd at Ocean Avenue (about 228th).   The Normandie Blvd line was part of the original Pacific Electric route from Los Angeles to San Pedro. The line through Torrance was built in 1912. In the early 1940's the Normandie avenue line from Dolanco to Ocean Avenue (called the Carson Cut-off), was taken out of service and used for storage. The passenger line on Cabrillo was removed after passenger service to Torrance was discontinued in 1940.       Source: U.S. Dept of the Interior, Geological Survey     On the map above, you can see the Pacific Electric Torrance line passing under the viaduct that provides rail service to the Columbia Steel Mill. This is the only place on the Pacific Electric where the railroad built a bridge to cross over itself. The PE Torrance Shops are clearly visible, as are the Union Tool Company and the Torrance station.     Copyright 2000,01,02,03 William E. Den Beste Last modified on  1/8/03 8:56:10 PM