Can anyone help identify this feature? It was discovered under
approximately 6 inches of cement on a road that has existed since at least
the late 1800s. They are currently doing road construction in the area, and
when the contractor was cutting the cement, two sections of metal were
discovered. The contractor was able to cut a wedge out of the asphalt and
expose one section the metal (see photos at link below). Surrounding the
metal is a brick, each with an indentation, on either side of a metal
section with a matching indentation. Based on the sparking of the saw, the
same arrangement of brick and metal occurs approximately 2-3 m away (as if
it was a rail) and again, 20 m further up the road, two parallel areas also
sparked, also indicating an arrangement like a rail. I have consulted
historic maps and there is no indication what this feature is. They do not
look like trolley or railroad tracks and no tracks appear on any of the
maps I consulted. Due to safety concerns (opening a large hole in the
pavement when traffic is still passing in the next lane), the contractor
could not remove a larger section of asphalt at this time.

This was found in southeastern WA.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/d6CmC4pDrKwTXHm88


Any help would be greatly appreciated!

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