Wabash Cannonball bridge

[silverback1065]

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.

[NE2]

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

[SEWIGuy]

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?

[tdindy88]

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.)

[hbelkins]

Wonder if it's a former railroad bridge?

[dirtroad66]

It was originally the big 4 railway bridge. Farmers in the area in the late 60's opened as a short cut to vinncennes.

[adt1982]

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!

[NE2]

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.

[Alps]

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.

[NE2]

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.

[US 41]

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.

[mobilene]

If this bridge is what you're talking about, it's a long one-laner:

http://bridgehunter.com/il/lawrence/st-francisville/

[silverback1065]

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

[NE2]

One-lane but two-way.

[hbelkins]

Be sure to play some classic Roy Acuff when you cross that bridge.