Frisco Bridge

Here is what the bridge looks like now after the complete demolition/replacement of the approach https://www.aisc.org/nsba/prize-bridge-awards/prize-bridge-w...

Rich,

Thanks for the background, so I gather the new approach will have a lesser grade... and also that the main spans are not to be replaced as part of this project?

BNSF did a major rebuild of the main spans of this bridge in the mid-2000s due to deterioration. The Arkansas approach to the channel crossing is the steepest grade on the main line between Memphis and Thayer, Mo. There were very prohibitive operating rules that governed speed and how much power the engineer could use along certain points of the bridge--in fact it was possible to stall out on the approach which required being pushed over. Because of the low speed limit, single track and being near Tennessee Yard, it became a major bottleneck for the railroad between Kansas City and Birmingham.

This is one of the most significant historic bridges in the country due to age, design, size, and engineer. Some or all spans are currently being demolished and replaced... currently it's just the western approach spans. The fate of the main spans is unknown. Even loss of the approach spans is an atrocity against history given the bridge's significance. But of coursE big railroad corporations couldn't care less about history. This bridge belongs in a museum if it could fit, it deserves better than to be ruined by money hungry railroad corporations

Thank you. When I get my scanner hooked up finally I will have a better copy. I inherited this photo and many others due to the family of the men who took these are virtually extinct. I inherited them from a historical society, and they knew I was a "Bridgehound"

Cool photo!

It's a bit blurry, but I think I see vehicles on the inclined roadway along the left. I was standing in the same spot as this photo was taken about a year ago. I got some photos, but not quite the same angle as yours. There were no vehicles in my photo - no deck on the steel bridge either.

To correct, Harahan Bridge. Cats love to walk on you.

This is an attempt to restore a photo of Frisco and Hanrahan, taken prior to 1946-1950. Its not done yet, but I wanted to share. I inherited a pack of pictures, mostly UCEB RR bridges, but this and another stood out.

I am amazed that this bridge has held up so well with a real lack of maintainance from the railroad.In my 57 years, I do not recall it ever being painted. G

I have seen the deck width quoted as being 30 feet in sseveral places. I believe this to be incorrect. I think the 30 feet may be the truss centers, but that seems a little small for a 790 ft span. I wrote a paper on this brige while in college. At the time I went to the bridge and measured the width between railings. (This was 1967. Things were different then.) If my memory is at all correct, the distance between railings, which to me defines the deck width, was 23 feet.

The deck was originally timbered even with the top of rail to allow wagon traffic between trains. This was presumably removed after the adjacent Harahan Bridge was opened.

Regarding climbing the bridge. Operating Railroad bridges have always been private property, not built with public funds, and have always had "No Trespassing" signs. If you climb onto the bridge you are trespassing. Probably it is just the heightened security post 9/11 that results in you being arrested, though.

However you should be aware that you ARE trespassing on private railroad land and property.

My great-great grandfather, S. Robison supposedly was one of the engineers for this bridge and died after the celebration of the finishing of it - falling from the bridge and dying later at home from the injuries. I am seaching for more information about his death and who he worked for. email me at eaeubanks@aol.com if you have any info.

Before 9-11, we could climb the support collum on the West side. After that, we get arrested for tresspassing. Does anyone know how we might get permission to climb again?

Regards,

Sam Teel 901-921-4334