Historic Bridges of the U.S. | Big Four Railroad Bridge

Overview

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Photos

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Overview

Color photos taken June 2005 by James Adorno

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North end

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Side view

Black and white photos from the Historic American Engineering Record [HAER photos taken May 1975 by Jack Boucher]

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Main span

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South end

Map

Vicinity map

Map links:

Facts

Overview: Abandoned six-span through truss railroad bridge over the Ohio River at Louisville
Status: Awaiting rehabilitation to reopen as a pedestrian bridge
Future prospects: Slated to be restored as a pedestrian bridge connecting Jeffersonville and Louisville
History: Originally built 1895 by the Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago and St. Louis Railroad (Big Four). Reconstructed 1929 using existing stone piers. Abandoned 1969.
Design: From north to south:
One riveted, 8-panel Parker through truss
Three riveted, 16-panel Pennsylvania through trusses, each 547 ft. long
Two riveted, 10-panel Parker through trusses
Dimensions: Length of largest span: 547.0 ft.
Approximate latitude, longitude: +38.26603, -85.73930 (decimal degrees)
38°15'58" N, 85°44'21" W (degrees°minutes'seconds")
Inventory number: BH 18821 (Bridgehunter.com ID)

Update Log

April 27, 2008: Updated by Max Johnson
October 10, 2005: Posted photos from James Adorno

Sources

James Adorno - adorno423 [at] aol [dot] com
HAER KY-10 - Big Four Bridge, Spanning Ohio River, Louisville, Jefferson County, KY

Comments

Big Four Railroad Bridge

Posted May 7, 2008, by Jessica

The Big Four Bridge caught on fire today 05-07-08. They news says it will not hurt the construction that is ongoing for the walk-way. I hope it doesn't prolong its opening I want to see it done in this life time.

Big Four Railroad Bridge

Posted March 13, 2007, by Jonathan Parrish (wildcatjon2000 [at] gmail [dot] com)

its official for the Big 4

Construction on Phase III began in late Spring 2005, which will add 13 acres (53,000 m²) and include the conversion of the former Big Four Railroad bridge into the longest pedestrian only bridge in the world. The bridge will connect to Jeffersonville Indiana's waterfront park. Several more lawn areas, tree groves, walking paths, and picnic areas will also be added. Construction could be complete by late 2007.

Big Four Railroad Bridge

Posted June 28, 2006, by andy cole (andycole [at] earthlink [dot] net)

The "Big Four" bridge was the first thing that caught my eye during a recent visit to Louisville. I stood at the north end and marveled at how man can put such effort into building an engineering marvel only to abandon it just a few decades later.

I also vistited the "Falls of the Ohio" bridge and admired the remnants of the stone structures at the bridge entrance where now only one set of tracks now crosses.

Oh,how I would love to travel back in time to the heyday when the rails were alive!

Andy Cole,

Hawaii

Big Four Railroad Bridge

Posted April 12, 2006, by james mccray (jamesinslocomb [at] yahoo [dot] com)

This bridge is in the works to being apart of the Waterfront Park in Louisville. When the bridge is completed, it will be used as a walk over bridge over the Ohio River. A great example of a bridge being reused as such is the Chain of Rocks Bridge in St. Louis.

Big Four Railroad Bridge

Posted March 20, 2006, by Chad

There has also been a rumor that a private orginization would like to build apartments on the bridge, in such a way to allow for a "waterfront" view.