What the hell is this? (Frisco Bridge west of Memphis)

Started by bugo, May 02, 2015, 03:44:59 AM

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bugo

https://www.google.com/maps?q=memphis&hl=en&ll=35.131295,-90.079448&spn=0.000372,0.000601&geocode=+&hnear=Memphis,+Shelby+County,+Tennessee&t=h&deg=180&z=21

What is that rectangular platform that is attached to the deck of the bridge? It appears to be as old as the bridge itself. Since the platform is on the north side of the bridge and the I-55 bridge is to the south it's not possible to get a good view of it if you can see it at all.


Atomica

I think it could have been a water tower, but I cannot be sure.  It must date from the time of steam powered engines' dominance, that is how old the bridge was.  I think it dates as far back as 1892 when the Great Bridge At Memphis was opened...

This MIGHT help...
http://www.historic-memphis.com/memphis-historic/bridges/bridges.html
"A man who stands for nothing will fall for anything."
--- Malcolm X, 1925-1965

SteveG1988

Roads Clinched

I55,I82,I84(E&W)I88(W),I87(N),I81,I64,I74(W),I72,I57,I24,I65,I59,I12,I71,I77,I76(E&W),I70,I79,I85,I86(W),I27,I16,I97,I96,I43,I41,

NE2

pre-1945 Florida route log

I accept and respect your identity as long as it's not dumb shit like "identifying as a vaccinated attack helicopter".

SteveG1988

Roads Clinched

I55,I82,I84(E&W)I88(W),I87(N),I81,I64,I74(W),I72,I57,I24,I65,I59,I12,I71,I77,I76(E&W),I70,I79,I85,I86(W),I27,I16,I97,I96,I43,I41,

rte66man

#5
I believe that was an "escape" platform for workers.  If they were doing maintenance and a train was coming, it gave them a place to get out of the way. I don't think there is enough bracing for it to have held a water tank.  Besides, they didn't want trains stopping on the bridge.
When you come to a fork in the road... TAKE IT.

                                                               -Yogi Berra

bugo

Quote from: rte66man on June 08, 2015, 08:07:07 PM
I believe that was an "escape" platform for workers.  If they were doing maintenance and a train was coming, it gave them a place to get out of the way. I don't think there is enough bracing for it to have held a water tank.  Besides, they didn't want trains stopping on the bridge.

That makes sense.

SteveG1988

Roads Clinched

I55,I82,I84(E&W)I88(W),I87(N),I81,I64,I74(W),I72,I57,I24,I65,I59,I12,I71,I77,I76(E&W),I70,I79,I85,I86(W),I27,I16,I97,I96,I43,I41,



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