This abandoned bridge over Clifty Creek near Columbus once formed part of Indiana’s first railroad.
The first crossing at this site was built in 1847 by the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad, which connected Madison with Indianapolis. A steel replacement was erected in 1890. After a series of mergers and acquisitions, the line was taken over by Penn Central in 1968; the company entered bankruptcy two years later. Conrail assumed control and abandoned a 17-mile segment between North Vernon and Rossman, including this bridge, in 1976.
Given the successful reuse of many historic railroad bridges, this Pratt through truss would be well-suited for rehabilitation as part of a public trail.
I've posted a history (with a map and photos) of the railroad here, and a shorter history of the bridge here.
This abandoned bridge over Clifty Creek near Columbus once formed part of Indiana’s first railroad.
The first crossing at this site was built in 1847 by the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad, which connected Madison with Indianapolis. A steel replacement was erected in 1890. After a series of mergers and acquisitions, the line was taken over by Penn Central in 1968; the company entered bankruptcy two years later. Conrail assumed control and abandoned a 17-mile segment between North Vernon and Rossman, including this bridge, in 1976.
Given the successful reuse of many historic railroad bridges, this Pratt through truss would be well-suited for rehabilitation as part of a public trail.
I've posted a history (with a map and photos) of the railroad here, and a shorter history of the bridge here.
I'm pretty new to this subreddit and I've got a technical question for you that would help me out in the future. I'm looking at this post on my PC with Chrome. When you posted the photo, did you add the black spaces around the image, or is that what Reddit does with vertical photos? I almost never shoot vertical photos- so I'm curious if that will happen if I do post a vertical photo.
Thanks in advance for helping out a semi-noob.
Yes, it adds those to the post. I kind of like it versus other sites that provide some sort of blur to the image.
Thanks for the info. It's a big help.
This photo is awesome. It's actually artistic. Love it! Thanks for all the info you provided too! 😊
Great photo, gotta love old bridges!
""After surveys in 1836 and 1837,""
which is quite early in US RR History
This is a lovely shot!