GREENE COUNTY, INDIANA Third Largest Such Structure In The World A viaduct is a series of spans or arches used to carry a road or railroad over a wide valley or over other roads or railroads. Few people are aware that such a stupendous example of this type of a bridge can be seen right in our own back yard in neighboring Greene County, Indiana.
The Viaduct is located on a country road between Bloomfield and Solsberry. A huge viaduct spans Richland Creek valley on the Illinois Central Railroad in east-central Greene County, Indiana. This steel and concrete structure is supported by eighteen towers that are 180 feet tall. The viaduct is 2,295 feet long. According to an Indiana Geological Survey article, the combined length and height make it the third largest structure of its kind in the world. The viaduct was completed in December 1906 by the Illinois Central Railroad. The tracks at that time extended from Indianapolis to Effingham, Illinois. During the days of steam locomotives, large wooden barrels of water sat on platforms along the viaduct for use in case of fire. Of course, the water is no longer needed so the platforms are no longer there. Up to six or seven trains cross the viaduct daily. Many are from the coal fields of western Indiana and are destined for Indianapolis Power and Light Company. |
