|
 |
|
| Key Facts |
| Bridge Name | Facility Carried / Feature Intersected | Location | Structure Type | Construction Date and Builder/Engineer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| X |
Indiana Harbor Belt Grand Calumet Bridge
| Railroad (Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad) Over Grand Calumet River | Burnham: Cook County, Illinois | Metal Rivet-Connected Warren Pony Truss, Movable: Swing (Center Pier) | By Builder/Contractor: Unknown |
| Technical Facts |
| Main Spans |
| 1 |
This bridge is one of the most unusual and rare historic railroad bridges in the Cook County, IL and Lake County, IN area, which is rich in historic bridges. Pony truss railroad bridges are very uncommon nationwide, with through trusses and through plate girders being more common. Combine this with the fact that this is a swing bridge, and the result is a bridge that is extremely rare. At the time this bridge was documented by HistoricBridges.org, 26 truss swing bridges were present on the website, and all were through trusses. As a pony truss swing, the bridge has unusual design. Unlike the typical through truss swing, the trusses do not form a "tower" at the center swing pier, and instead the top chord remains horizontal throughout the bridge. The two panels over the swing pier however have eyebars and pin connections for the top chord, giving the bridge its distinctive and unusual appearance. Otherwise, the trusses are traditionally composed.
This bridge should be considered historically and technologically significant as a rare variation on the design of a swing bridge, a bridge type that is itself uncommon.
Reportedly, the railroad plans to demolish and replace this bridge. Given the high level of historic significance of this bridge, this will be a devastating loss of transportation heritage.
Click on a thumbnail or gallery name below to visit that particular photo gallery. If videos are available, click on a video name to view and/or download that particular video.
|
Bridge Photo-Documentation
Original / Full Size Photos |
A collection of overview and detail photos. For the best visual immersion and full detail, or for use as a desktop background, this gallery presents the photos for this bridge in the original digital camera resolution. |
|
|
Bridge Photo-Documentation
Mobile Optimized Gallery |
A collection of overview and detail photos. View the photos for this bridge in a reduced size which is useful for mobile/smartphone users, modem
(dial-up) users, or those who do not wish to wait for the longer
download times of the full-size photos. Alternatively, view this photo gallery using a popup slideshow viewer (great for mobile users) by clicking the link below.
Browse Gallery With Popup Viewer |
© Copyright 2003-2013, 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 of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.
