Coolest Railroad Bridge in Michigan?

[Pete Mayor]

Just curious as to what anyone considers the most worthwhile railroad bridge in the state, active or inactive. I'm a big fan of the one in Newaygo and Grand Ledge is cool too for example.

[Saturnalia]

Thornapple River on the CSX Plymouth Sub, no question:



Favorite defunct bridge is the old PM bridge south of TC...cannot recall its exact location...was once the biggest RR bridge in the state.

[Pete Mayor]

I was gonna mention that one but wanted to see how quickly someone would bring it up. Excellent choice!

[SD80MAC]

I will say the bridge in Grand Ledge is cooler. Taller, longer and more dramatic looking what with the stone cliffs and all.

[GTW6401]

The HESR bridge in Saginaw is my favorite. Its easy to access and very photogenic.

[Dan Cluley]

No way I can pick one:

1. Grand Ledge is a cooler bridge, but Thornapple is so much easier to shoot.

2. The swing bridge at St Joe

3. The drawbridge / lift bridge combo at Sault Ste Marie

4. The Michigan Central's stone arches. There's the little one over the creek at Mason, and the bigger one over the road in Dexter, maybe more?

5. Brush st E of the Detroit Amtrak station gets an honorable mention, right Pete?

[GLC 392]

Dead River Bridge on the LS&I!

[Saturnalia]

I will say the bridge in Grand Ledge is cooler. Taller, longer and more dramatic looking what with the stone cliffs and all.

I've never made it down there, but I have seen pictures. Is there a way to get down to the river and shoot it these days?

[jimnorthwood]

The bridge on the branch to Hamilton is one of my favorites. Does CSX still own this track, or are they just the operator on behalf of the owner the mill in Hamilton at the end of the line?

[Pete Mayor]

5. Brush st E of the Detroit Amtrak station gets an honorable mention, right Pete?

I almost posted that pic myself!

[AARR]

The bridge on the branch to Hamilton is one of my favorites. Does CSX still own this track, or are they just the operator on behalf of the owner the mill in Hamilton at the end of the line?

Its my understanding the mill owns the line and pays CSX to operate on it. Maybe someone can confirm. Service is usually once a week but I've heard they may make a second trip now and then.

[Saturnalia]

The bridge on the branch to Hamilton is one of my favorites. Does CSX still own this track, or are they just the operator on behalf of the owner the mill in Hamilton at the end of the line?

Its my understanding the mill owns the line and pays CSX to operate on it. Maybe someone can confirm. Service is usually once a week but I've heard they may make a second trip now and then.

CSX owns the branch north of the bridge. CSX threatened to abandon because they did not want to maintain the bridge, but the elevator decided they wanted rail service enough to buy the bridge and pay CSX to serve them.

[CAT345C]

Dead river wins hands down all day long.

[Notch 8]

Favorite defunct bridge is the old PM bridge south of TC...cannot recall its exact location...was once the biggest RR bridge in the state.

Near Mesick ?

[SD80MAC]

The bridge on the branch to Hamilton is one of my favorites. Does CSX still own this track, or are they just the operator on behalf of the owner the mill in Hamilton at the end of the line?

Its my understanding the mill owns the line and pays CSX to operate on it. Maybe someone can confirm. Service is usually once a week but I've heard they may make a second trip now and then.

CSX owns the branch north of the bridge. CSX threatened to abandon because they did not want to maintain the bridge, but the elevator decided they wanted rail service enough to buy the bridge and pay CSX to serve them.

CSX ownership actually ends near the south side of Holland, I forget exactly which milepost.

[Pete Mayor]

Anyone have a pic of the Dead River bridge?

[J T]

I will say the bridge in Grand Ledge is cooler. Taller, longer and more dramatic looking what with the stone cliffs and all.

I've never made it down there, but I have seen pictures. Is there a way to get down to the river and shoot it these days?

Yes. And my vote goes to the bridge in Hamilton. While the Thornapple bridge pales in comparison to the Grand Ledge bridge, there's nothing quite like an 1800s-era, high wooden trestle. I find them to be the most photogenic amongst railroad bridges.




I suppose it would be like debating wooden roller coasters over steel roller coasters.

[GLC 392]

This photo does no justice to how big this bridge is but gives you a good idea, dead river a few years ago. http://glc-392.rrpicturearchives.net/sh ... id=2744533

[J T]

That's a cool bridge. I'd love to see it someday but I doubt I'll find my way into the UP any time in the near future...or ever.

[AANscaleRunner]

Favorite defunct bridge is the old PM bridge south of TC...cannot recall its exact location...was once the biggest RR bridge in the state.

Near Mesick ?

High Bridge over the Manistee River near Kaleva.