HistoricBridges.org Menu: HistoricBridges.org Menu:


We Recommend:
Bach Steel - Experts at historic truss bridge restoration.

HistoricBridges.org: Bridge Browser

Twin Railroad Bridge

Twin Railroad Bridge

Primary Photographer(s): Nathan Holth and Rick McOmber

Bridge Documented: September 23, 2012

View Photos
and Videos
View Maps
and Links

Location
Rural: Hendricks County, Indiana: United States
Construction Date and Builder / Engineer
1906 By Builder/Contractor: Bates and Rogers of Chicago, Illinois
Rehabilitation Date
Not Available or Not Applicable
Main Span Length
90.0 Feet (27.4 Meters)
Structure Length
275.0 Feet (83.8 Meters)
Roadway Width
Not Available
Spans
3 Main Span(s)
Inventory Number
Not Applicable

Historic Significance Rating (HSR)
View Information About HSR Ratings

Bridge Documentation

View National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form For This Bridge

This bridge is oddly called Twin Railroad Bridge apparently because it is next to another bridge, a highway bridge. However, the railroad bridge is about as far from a twin as you can get. This is a massive, high level concrete railroad deck arch bridge, quite different from the low level, lightweight metal truss highway bridge. This highway truss actually sits in the footprint of the previous railroad bridge, a metal truss whose stone abutment remains nearby.

This bridge is one of two concrete arch bridges along this stretch of railroad line. The bridge has spalled severely, which has diminished its architectural details. It likely remains structurally intact however due to how heavily overbuilt these bridges were. With a 1906 construction date, this bridge is an early surviving example of a concrete arch bridge.

Information and Findings From DHPA Historic Bridge Survey

Statement of Significance

Only a handful of open-spandrel railroad bridges survive, and they are by far the oldest in the state. This is one of three on the New York Central's tracks. In addition to its venerable age and monumental character, it is noteworthy for the coping of its rings.

Architectural Description

Where the distance between the roadway and the stream and the volume of the water carried by the watercourse are both considerable, the weight of the fill and the required side-to-side width of the structure reduces the economic advantages of reinforced concrete arches under fill. The open-spandrel arch, which requires a good bit of formwork is therefore an expensive alternative, may then become the form of choice. In large open-spandrel structures, the arch ring is often composed of two or more longitudinal ribs. A series of columns support the deck and transfer the loads to the ribs or ring. Beams and slabs, in turn, carry the floor below the roadbed. Because of their expense, only a few such rail structures have been built in Indiana. Most resulted from the New York Central's double-tracking and grade separation programs early in the century.

This three-span structure takes the New York Central's tracks over a stream and a county road in Hendricks County. The rings are segmental and coped, about 2' deep at center and 4' at the pier tower and abutment, and raised vertically on the piers as necessary to balance one another (10-12' in the center span). Arched spandrel columns support a 2' concrete slab deck on which the crushed-stone roadbed rides.

Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes

Divider

Photo Galleries and Videos: Twin Railroad Bridge

 

View Photo Gallery

Bridge Photo-Documentation

Original / Full Size Photos
A collection of overview and detail photos. This gallery offers photos in the highest available resolution and file size in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

View Photo Gallery

Bridge Photo-Documentation

Mobile Optimized Photos
A collection of overview and detail photos. This gallery features data-friendly, fast-loading photos in a touch-friendly popup viewer.
Alternatively, Browse Without Using Viewer

Divider

Maps and Links: Twin Railroad Bridge

Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):

Search For Additional Bridge Listings:

Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.

HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

HistoricBridges.org Bridge Browser: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.

2021 National Bridge Inventory: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.

Additional Maps:

Google Maps

Google Streetview (If Available)

Bing Maps

OpenStreetMap

GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)

Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)

Apple Maps (Apple devices only)

MapQuest

HERE We Go Maps

ACME Mapper

Waze Map

Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App

Flickr Gallery (Find Nearby Photos)

Wikimedia Commons (Find Nearby Photos)

Directions Via Sygic For Android

Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser

USGS National Map (United States Only)

Historical USGS Topo Maps (United States Only)

Historic Aerials (United States Only)

CalTopo Maps (United States Only)


Divider
 
Home Top

Divider

About - Contact

© Copyright 2003-2024, HistoricBridges.org. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private citizens. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. While we strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no guarantee of accuracy. Information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Information could include technical inaccuracies or errors of omission. Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the respective HistoricBridges.org member who made them and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose images may appear on the page in which the commentary appears. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. Owners and users of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.

Admin Login

Divider