AARoads Forum

National Boards => Bridges => Topic started by: bugo on May 02, 2015, 03:44:59 AM

Title: What the hell is this? (Frisco Bridge west of Memphis)
Post by: bugo on May 02, 2015, 03:44:59 AM
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.
Title: Re: What the hell is this? (Frisco Bridge west of Memphis)
Post by: Atomica on May 02, 2015, 03:57:03 AM
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
Title: Re: What the hell is this? (Frisco Bridge west of Memphis)
Post by: SteveG1988 on May 02, 2015, 08:51:22 AM
http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?q=memphis+TN&mkt=en&FORM=HDRSC4
Title: Re: What the hell is this? (Frisco Bridge west of Memphis)
Post by: NE2 on May 02, 2015, 10:04:37 AM
Quote from: SteveG1988 on May 02, 2015, 08:51:22 AM
http://www.bing.com/maps/default.aspx?q=memphis+TN&mkt=en&FORM=HDRSC4
Thanks. That's really helpful.
Title: Re: What the hell is this? (Frisco Bridge west of Memphis)
Post by: SteveG1988 on May 02, 2015, 05:57:23 PM
Sorry, thought bing worked like google.

http://binged.it/1K0yUOt
Title: Re: What the hell is this? (Frisco Bridge west of Memphis)
Post by: 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.
Title: Re: What the hell is this? (Frisco Bridge west of Memphis)
Post by: bugo on June 11, 2015, 07:18:31 PM
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.
Title: Re: What the hell is this? (Frisco Bridge west of Memphis)
Post by: SteveG1988 on June 11, 2015, 11:44:38 PM
Could it have been used for mail?