Ben Sullivan's Model Railroad
The Georgetown Branch: Gallery: 3 Bridges over the C&O Canal

On April 16, 2003 I took a break while riding to work to snap a few shots of the bridges over the Canal. I couldn't leave my bike so I didn't get any great broadside shots of the Northernmost bridge, but I did get some excellent closeup shots. I have included a roughly sketched small map that I detailed to provide some orientation:



map
I will use this map as reference when referring to each bridge (A, B & C).

A few words about the bridges:

Bridge A appears to be a somewhat modified Howe Truss. It appears that counter braces have been added on each diagonal to add more strength.

Bridge B appears to be a Pin-Connected Whipple Trapezoidal Truss type. This is a rare type of bridge.

Bridge C appears to be a rather plain deck truss type bridge with the bridge ties (long gone) laying on top of the decking.

These are my observations. If you know otherwise, please let me know! I'm always on the lookout for more info about these relics! The best site I found for info is Bridges And Tunnels Of Allegheny County and Pittsburgh, PA - Bridge Basics.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-01.jpg
Facing South, looking towards Bridge A, standing on the R-O-W.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-02.jpg
Standing closer now, looking along the Westernmost side.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-03.jpg
Another closer view.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-04.jpg
The East side of Bridge A.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-05.jpg
The Western side - a lower beam.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-06.jpg
Bridge A, Western side, upper trusswork.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-07.jpg
Bridge A, Western side: more upper trusswork, this is the entrance to the bridge, North end.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-08.jpg
Bridge A, Eastern side: another shot of the entrance.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-09.jpg
Bridge A, facing Southward.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-10.jpg
Bridge A, facing West: Crossmembers intersecting.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-11.jpg
Standing on Bridge A looking South.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-12.jpg
Bridge A, facing West: trusswork at Southern end.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-13.jpg
Bridge A, facing West: Trusswork.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-14.jpg
Bridge A, facing Northwest: Base of truss. Note angle of beam coming towards camera - it parallels the road below. It also can be seen in image 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-18.jpg, on the other side.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-15.jpg
Bridge A, West side. Another of the truss "foot".
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-16.jpg
Bridge A, West side: View is Northwest along the truss.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-17.jpg
Bridge A, West side: View is Northwest along the truss.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-18.jpg
Bridge A, East side: View is Northwest along the truss.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-19.jpg
East side, "feet" of both Brige A & B.
Pics of the brides over the C&O canal 04_16_03-gb_canal_br-20.jpg
Bridge B, West side: note pin connected construction.
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