Could connect with Bloomington Rail Trails that run over another portion of this former branch line further North to connect with Quarry site in the future.
August 5, 2014: Updated by James Norwood: Corrected name and added dates
March 4, 2012: New photo from Jacob P. Bernard
March 3, 2012: New photos from Jacob P. Bernard
January 9, 2012: New photo from Nick
July 25, 2010: Added by James Norwood
Sources
James Norwood
Nick
Jacob P. Bernard
Info about bridge construction - Interesting that railroad was incorporated in 1906, but this section built 1913-14. 45 carloads of lumber needed to build it.
Finally went and found this gem. Unfortunately the trees and other vegetation blocked a lot of the view, but it was worth witnessing this great bridge. I have read where towards the end of it's railroad use, they wouldn't take the engine out onto the bridge because of weight restrictions but would push a length of cars out onto the bridge long enough to get to the other side where another engine would hook up and pull off this structure. I imagine many of the cars were unloaded and used as buffers only. The name used for this line was the Bloomington Southern, but was part of the Illinois Central. Victor Stone had a Plymouth switcher and one other "critter" for power for these trains. They still used them on their property for several years after tracks had been pulled from this bridge North to Bloomington before being sold off themselves.
Quarry Branch Bridge
Posted May 8, 2012, by Anonymous
My family has owned property behind this for 50+ years. I live there now and remember seeing the train cross as a kid.
Finally went and found this gem. Unfortunately the trees and other vegetation blocked a lot of the view, but it was worth witnessing this great bridge. I have read where towards the end of it's railroad use, they wouldn't take the engine out onto the bridge because of weight restrictions but would push a length of cars out onto the bridge long enough to get to the other side where another engine would hook up and pull off this structure. I imagine many of the cars were unloaded and used as buffers only. The name used for this line was the Bloomington Southern, but was part of the Illinois Central. Victor Stone had a Plymouth switcher and one other "critter" for power for these trains. They still used them on their property for several years after tracks had been pulled from this bridge North to Bloomington before being sold off themselves.