On Sunday I did about 20 kms on my bike instead of walk. I did find some things to photograph. However, I would find more if I walked.
We have a large trail system in the city which was put together in the early eighties. Some interesting deals were made. The railway was moving out of downtown. This old bridge was in the way and the railway was going to take it down. So a deal was made that the bridge would remain and would be used as part of the trail system. The railway reconditioned the bridge and we were left with a bridge with fin decking that could be used for riding or walking. So the railway didn't have to go to the expense of taking the bridge down and we got a fine bridge.
It's easy to imagine the huge black locomotive easing it's way across the bridge. I can hear see and smell the large beast. The bridge would creak and slowly bend and shift as the heavy locomotive made it's crossing.The bridge brings back many senses.
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| We don't see this style of steel bridge anymore. |
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| A fine wooden deck was installed on the old bridge. |
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| Serving on a sunny summer day. |
Now that is what I call a bridge....it's wonderful.
ReplyDeleteYes the old kind that you could see and feel that it was strong.
DeleteYes, you are right, they don't make those iron bridges anymore. We have still a few here and I am always excited to cross one and look through the sides.
ReplyDeleteI suppose there are some here but I couldn't think of one right now. Most old things are knocked down here.
DeleteI am glad the bridge survives and has been opened up to walkers and cyclists.
ReplyDeleteIt took an awful lot of work to save this bridge and put it to good use.
DeleteNice! I like that bridge and would definitely ride my bike over it, or have a nice stroll. Thanks for introducing me to it. :-)
ReplyDeleteSince the railways picked the choicest spots for bridges, this one fits right in as it is in the best place for cyclists etc.
DeleteThat is a wonderful old bridge. So nice that they saved it.
ReplyDeleteIt took a lot of work and persuasion to keep this baby.
DeleteA nice span to enjoy, I like to find these around me.
ReplyDeleteIn the past most bridges were built like this.
Deleteglad they saved it and repurposed it for a trail! really nice planking. thanks for sharing the memories, too!
ReplyDeleteWe've already wore out the first decking. Safety regulations are very strict so the decking is replaced regularly.
DeleteMy husband, the architect, has a beautiful bridge structure photo hung in his office, a gift from our son-in-law. He doesn't design bridges, but loves the sculptural quality of steel put together for any structure.
ReplyDeleteI can understand how he would feel about bridges. The steel pattern is so obvious.
DeleteQuite the find ...what a lovely bridge.
ReplyDeleteThe bridge probably would have been replaced a long time ago but the railway was moving out of the downtown and the bridge wouldn't be needed so why build a new one.
DeleteWhat pretty decking on the bridge. I must live in "ancient" times. We still have those steel bridges all over here on the east side of the state! There is a HUGE one on the Snake River. Still active with train traffic. Love train tunnels also! Took 2 ponies and a covered wagon thru a 2.5 mile curved tunnel up at Snoqualmie Pass. Talk about spooky! Was awesome though! :)
ReplyDeleteI guess there are railroads that use their heads and keep the old bridges in good repair and keep them.
DeleteWe have quite a few bridges like this here in Oregon. I like the way your bridge has been converted into a pedestrian walkway.
ReplyDeleteHere , most of our highway and railway bridges have been replaced.
DeleteWhat a great bridge. Sad to say most of them in our area were torn down before the interest in biking/hiking trails bloomed...
ReplyDeleteThis one fit right into the overall plan for the trails.
DeleteI really like those old bridges! Nice photos you took.
ReplyDeleteOnce people started commenting I thought about it and we don't have many of these old bridges. I think safety regulations probably does them in.
ReplyDeleteI love the old bridges, too.
ReplyDeleteGood for you for trekking about.
I trek about the yard and find things to photograph. I get easily off-task!!!!
However, my wood is nearly stacked. I could go out for a bike ride, except for the awful tourists!
Rails to trails. Love it!
ReplyDeleteSometimes I think we gave up on our rail system too soon:)
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