at a model train swap meet I was able to secure a copy of the final engineering report from 1953 on the construction of this very large bridge over the Ohio. the report is from the engineering firm of Modjeski & Masters and is addressed to the VP and Chief Engineer of the Illinois Central. It details the complete construction, with timelines, detailed drawings, information about soil borings and water patterns on the river, information about each concrete pour, source mills for all steel and other metals, and brings preliminary drawings up to date to actual construction. It also contains an analysis of what was wrong with the prior 1889 bridge and in addition complete information on the demolition of that bridge.
Not being an engineer by training, but something of a bridge nut, I have found this to be fascinating if sometimes overly technical reading. It is always interesting to realize that with a huge steel bridge, every rivet and every angle that you see is the result of someone’s analysis, computation of stresses and forces, and suberbly rendered technical drawings – and of a staff out in the field who translates all of that into the day’s work for the workmen.
All this in a hardbound book of 127 pages of meaty text and photos, 13 exhibits, and 33 detailed drawings. There cannot have been many copies of this book created given its limited purpose. Except for a dank basement odor mine is in good shape, hardly read most likely, and cost $5.00.
Needless to say the book has created in me a substantial interest in this bridge and now I am curious about things like railfan access and photo opportunities.
Anybody from southern Illinois (or western Kentucky, eastern Missouri or northwestern Tennessee, all of which are fairly near to Cairo) on this forum who can provide some insights?
Dave Nelson