The South Carolina DOT has finally set about widening I-85 between Spartanburg and Gaffney. Unfortunatly this will mean the destruction of a CSX nee-Clinchfield overpass. The bridge doesn't look like much, but it still has "Clinchfield Railroad" painted on it.
The bridge sits at Mile Marker 81 on I-85 and dues to the way it sits relative to the road, there's simply no way to build the additional lanes without removing it. SCDOT's web site for the project confirms this: http://www.85widening.com/.
It's sad to see a small piece of South Carolina's railroad heritage disapear.
Modeling the Pennsylvania Railroad in N Scale.
www.prr-nscale.blogspot.com
Would the South carolina DOT be responsible for replacing the railroad bridge?
Johnny
I would tend to think so, based on the number of line relocations made on the federal government's dime because of dam projects.
The agency that controls crossings and grade separations in the state has the final say on who pays for what and SCDOT can't just barge-in and build a bridge.. (Public Service Commission? per 58-15-1510) In most cases, he who wants the changes ponies up the big buck$.
If that deck girder bridge was anything less than E-80 (E-65 maybe?), itsa gonna be rated E90 or better this time. Hope the highway bubbas do a better job with clearances than the people did with CSX in Delaware. Big rusty,steel thru-plate girder bridge because of the spans and fixed approaches?
Northbound view
Southbound view
I think they were going for a roller coaster affect when they built I-85 in South Carolina. "Grader? What's a grader?"
dubch87 Northbound view Southbound view I think they were going for a roller coaster affect when they built I-85 in South Carolina. "Grader? What's a grader?"
Grading costs money - lay it on top of the ground. It worked for cash starved Southern railroads when they were built - why not the Interstates!
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Having spent time in Greensboro a few years back, I can appreciate just how busy I-85 is, especially through Greensboro where it's combined with I-40. What a zoo!
I have no idea what the geology is there, but if it's like around there, you don't have to go very deep to be into some pretty solid rock. The Interstates and many state highways have some significant rock cuts.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
They are a Norfolk Southern branch out of service at Blacksburg that goes over I-85 guess if that has to be replaced that will be the end if that line.
Russell
csxns They are a Norfolk Southern branch out of service at Blacksburg that goes over I-85 guess if that has to be replaced that will be the end if that line.
I know the branch you're speaking of; the approaches to the bridge on either side of the highway are woddent trestles. I believe it's north of the widening project.
South of there, Spartanburg/Rice/ Peach Valley/Mayo/Cherokee Springs
CSX Blue Ridge Sub MP 270.20 and 270.22 DOT #'s 938243W and 938244D (Just South of Johns Manville/ Hoescht/Auriga Polimers plastics Plants)
N 35d 01'50.8 W 81d 51'33.7" Busy place. Widening to the south?
GP-9_Man11786I believe it's north of the widening project.
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