AARoads Forum

Regional Boards => Great Lakes and Ohio Valley => Topic started by: silverback1065 on June 16, 2012, 12:56:27 AM

Title: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: silverback1065 on June 16, 2012, 12:56:27 AM
I was browsing google maps when I came across this bridge (in the title), I can't believe this bridge still exists!  It appears that the bridge deck is made of wood too. I've never really seen a bridge cross a major river like this that isn't a state maintained road/us highway/interstate.  Has anyone driven on it before, or know any history about it? It looks dangerous.
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: NE2 on June 16, 2012, 01:38:36 AM
That is interesting. The FHWA didn't have it listed here last time I went down the list: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/tollpage/t1part2.cfm
but they've since added it. It's ID #304 meaning they overlooked it originally.

Here's a bridge where you drive through a former canal: http://www.gribblenation.com/papics/eng/roebling.html

Another dinky bridge across a state line: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pond_Eddy_Bridge
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: SEWIGuy on June 16, 2012, 08:00:40 AM
Quote from: NE2 on June 16, 2012, 01:38:36 AM
That is interesting. The FHWA didn't have it listed here last time I went down the list: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/tollpage/t1part2.cfm
but they've since added it. It's ID #304 meaning they overlooked it originally.

It was privately owned until a couple years ago.  Does that make a difference?
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: tdindy88 on June 16, 2012, 09:23:16 AM
I have been across it and it is a neat experience, it is a one-lane bridge I believe and the roadway is wooden. The bridge is owned (I think) by the town of St. Francisville, Illinois and they maintain a toll plaza on the Illinois side with a $1 toll (at least the last time I went through there.) After hearing about the bridge in New Harmony, I am too amazed to see this one still around, truly more scenic than many of the other bridges across the Wabash (the Lincoln Memorial Bridge in Vincennes being the exception.)
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: hbelkins on June 16, 2012, 12:13:15 PM
Wonder if it's a former railroad bridge?
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: dirtroad66 on June 16, 2012, 12:27:48 PM
It was originally the big 4 railway bridge. Farmers in the area in the late 60's opened as a short cut to vinncennes.
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: adt1982 on June 16, 2012, 01:18:05 PM
I've been across it many times, especially when I spent a year going to school in Mt. Carmel.  It's definitely a neat experience!
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: NE2 on June 16, 2012, 02:16:13 PM
Quote from: SEWIGuy on June 16, 2012, 08:00:40 AM
Quote from: NE2 on June 16, 2012, 01:38:36 AM
That is interesting. The FHWA didn't have it listed here last time I went down the list: http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/tollpage/t1part2.cfm
but they've since added it. It's ID #304 meaning they overlooked it originally.

It was privately owned until a couple years ago.  Does that make a difference?


No, since the Dingman's Ferry Bridge is on the list.


Incidentally, the Wabash Cannonball was a train on the Wabash Railway, while the bridge carried the New York Central's Big Four subsidiary over the Wabash River.
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: Alps on March 04, 2014, 06:41:13 PM
Is this bridge two ways? I just (re?)discovered it while looking around the IN/IL border, and it's sorta on my way to St. Louis.
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: NE2 on March 04, 2014, 07:00:49 PM
Quote from: Alps on March 04, 2014, 06:41:13 PM
Is this bridge two ways? I just (re?)discovered it while looking around the IN/IL border, and it's sorta on my way to St. Louis.
I see no evidence that it's not.
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: US 41 on March 04, 2014, 09:39:26 PM
I'm going to have to go drive on it. I didn't even know there was a bridge there. I can't go down there this upcoming weekend though because I'm going to Arch Madness (the MVC Tourney) in St. Louis.
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: mobilene on March 05, 2014, 01:08:38 PM
If this bridge is what you're talking about, it's a long one-laner:

http://bridgehunter.com/il/lawrence/st-francisville/
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: silverback1065 on March 05, 2014, 03:51:18 PM
Quote from: mobilene on March 05, 2014, 01:08:38 PM
If this bridge is what you're talking about, it's a long one-laner:

http://bridgehunter.com/il/lawrence/st-francisville/
yep thats the one
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: NE2 on March 05, 2014, 04:00:20 PM
One-lane but two-way.
Title: Re: Wabash Cannonball bridge
Post by: hbelkins on March 05, 2014, 07:58:04 PM
Be sure to play some classic Roy Acuff when you cross that bridge.