Big Four Bridge

Most Recent Visit: May 5, 2006

This multi-span bridge is one of the most impressive and amazing concrete bridges I have ever seen! It is my understanding that there are other multi-span massive valley-clearing concrete deck arch structures around, including one in the Pittsburgh area, but this is the first one I have seen in person, so for me this bridge really impressed me. It looks like an ancient Roman aqueduct to me.

The informative sign near this bridge mentioned that the bridge was built as a relocation project after a devastating flood in 1913 that apparently wiped out the downtown bridge. Perhaps the stone piers visible downtown are the remains of this former bridge?

This bridge has a date stamped on a pier showing a 1923 construction date, but an informative plaque mounted near the bridge says it was opened in 1924. The sign also notes that five men died building this bridge. Particularly interesting, is that one of those workers is apparently still buried in the pier east of Main Avenue. He must have fallen in and nobody could get the body back out. Not a lot of OSHA safety going in the 1920s! The fact that people died building this bridge is an example of why a bridge like this should be preserved. Maintaining and restoring a bridge such as this one honors the people who gave their lives to keep our country's road and rail networks connected and functioning. Beyond that, this bridge should be preserved because it is such an awesome bridge, and a landmark for Sidney. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Although the bridge appears to continue to serve railroad traffic, horrendous spalling has occurred on the arch. I am unsure if this is because of acid rain or the concrete mix used to build this bridge didn't work out well. You can't really blame winter salt on the roads for doing it, since it is a rail bridge! As bad as the spalling it, there is so much concrete making up this bridge, it most likely isn't affecting the structural integrity of the bridge in the least bit. But still, I feel it is something that should be fixed. It would at least prevent the problem from getting worse, and also improve the visual appearance of the bridge.

This bridge is great for photographing, as there is a beautiful multi-span metal truss bridge next to this bridge. You can get awesome photos of the bridge with the truss bridge in the foreground. Like the Big Four Bridge however, this truss bridge is not being maintained (it is closed to traffic) and so I can't guarantee that this bridge combination will remain forever.