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News Wire: NS dedicates new Genesee Arch Bridge in upstate New York

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Posted by Brian Schmidt on Thursday, May 24, 2018 3:32 PM

CASTILE, N.Y. — Ushering in a modern era for freight rail in New York’s Southern Tier, Norfolk Southern and New York State officials, along with supporters, today dedicated a new steel arch railroad bridge that spans the “Grand Cany...

http://trn.trains.com/news/news-wire/2018/05/24-norfolk-southern-dedicates-new-genesee-arch-bridge-in-upstate-new-york

Brian Schmidt, Editor, Classic Trains magazine

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Posted by MidlandMike on Thursday, May 24, 2018 4:41 PM

In the picture in th article, I don't see the old bridge.  Has it already been dismantled, or did they photo-shop it out?

 

Edit:  Someone answered this question on the NewsWire page, that the old bridge has been completely dismantled.

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Posted by Paul_D_North_Jr on Thursday, May 24, 2018 8:49 PM

It was supposed to have been dismantled in March, per an article in the April 2018 issue of Railway Track & Structures ("RTandS") magazine.  Too bad Trains hasn't had a comparable article.

- PDN. 

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Posted by tree68 on Thursday, May 24, 2018 10:16 PM

I've seen video on-line of the razing of the old bridge, including the blast that took one of the towers down.  Apparently there were a number of cast pieces with the date on them.  Those have been saved for distribution to local historical groups.

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Posted by Bruce Kelly on Friday, May 25, 2018 9:41 AM

Let's not forget the original 1852 wooden bridge which preceded the iron one.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portage_Viaduct

Conrail's ex-Erie iron giant over the Genesee was often a stop-over during our drives from Newton, NJ, to Attica, NY, in the late 80s/early 90s. Mom grew up in Attica, still had relatives living there (none housed in the state prison), and D&H was still employing pushers for Attica Hill.

Glen Iris Inn in Letchworth State Park was a wonderful place to spend the night. Its walkways and windows afford a more panoramic view of the bridge and the additional falls to be found along the river.

With train speed now raised from 10mph to 30, NS will hopefully not be dealing with the kind of crowds who used to walk out onto CR's Portage Viaduct during fall color season.

 

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