Schnectady

[David Hutchinson]

Was driving towards Mohawk Yard on Erie Avenue..... at CP161 there is a huge overhead bridge that comes off the main.... has lots of trees growing on it. Is there still track up there and what line is that?

[Mem160]

Schenectedy is not my strong point, but I think it may be the abandoned NYC/PC line to Chicago. I think it would be on a short through truss bridge.

-- Mark

[Nukengineer]

Its been a few years since i've been there, but I think you are talking about the CSXT/ Amtrak line by union ave. Thats the only large bridge across Erie Blvd that I remember. It is still in use (at least it was 2 years ago).

[march hare]

Yes, that is the former NYC main, very much in use. And yes, there are good sized trees growing on the bridge and growing out of its abutments on both ends. Don't do that on a model RR or the nitpickers will have a field day with you.

The bridge is oversized because it used to be multiple track, now only 1.

No freight traffic, but all Buffalo/NF Amtrak trains go across it daily.

[trainsinmaine]

The reason that Erie Blvd. bridge is a trestle --- and as big as it is --- is because Erie Blvd. was at one time the Erie Canal. It was gradually filled in around the time of the First World War and turned into a street (the widest main street in America, at least at the time). My uncles could remember when it was done.

If memory serves, one of the abutments of the bridge (the easterly one, I think) is marked with a 19th-century date. I can't recall the exact year.

Remnants of the canal and its towpath can be seen along Rice Road (Rt. 5S) from the GE plant westward toward Rotterdam Junction, and well beyond.