by Ken W2KB
Tommy Meehan wrote:Below is a link to a photo chuchubob shot in 2006 that pretty clearly shows the A-frame structure. The bridge is a swing span I believe so I don't understand exactly what role the A-frame plays.
http://chuchubob.rrpicturearchives.net/ ... ?id=357001
This time of the year the bridge probably almost never has to be opened but to close a moveable bridge over a waterway requires U.S. Coast Guard permission. Barring specific information I wouldn't assume the bridge has been restored without being able to open. It's certainly a possibility, though.
Tommy, in looking at the chuchubob and the Google map aerial photos, with the bridge in the open (good for boats) position, it appears to swing from a pivot at one end, not in the center of the span as is typical. So the A-frame and cables in tension are needed to hold the span when not in the closed position. Highly likely that the Coast Guard issued a temporary waiver of the regs to allow for train movement. Would have to check the Federal Register for an official notice of such.
~Ken :: Fairmont ex-UP/MP C436 MT-14M1 ::
Black River Railroad Historical Trust :: [/url]
Black River Railroad Historical Trust :: [/url]