The bridge at Vicksburg, MS used by CPKC to cross the Mississippi River is suffering problems due to low water levels. The very low water levels cause the riverbanks to dry out which is exerting a force on the bridge moving it out of alignment. The bridge is not owned by CPKC or Meridian Speedway LLC, but rather by the Vicksburg Bridge Commission of Warren County.
It’s a force one may not consider.
Several years ago, a small dam went out in the southeast. Shoreside properties were in danger of collapsing into the water, as the water had actually been holding them in place.
I wonder how deep the bridge piers are, and if they are anchored to bedrock.
Most interesting situation!
The linked news item you provided, JayBee, mentions a future new bridge. Such undoubtedly won’t be cheap. But it might be a blessing to the community because I’m sure emergency grants to pay for a new bridge will be pursued and gotten. Anytime large amounts of Federal money enter a community it multiplies and multiplies magically, and everybody benefits!
It was surprising that the bridge is in two states! Note the link below.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/EnHEUMFJfoe3jrFu8
That is the bridge, correct?
Yes, it is the combined railroad and Old Highway 80 bridge. It is the northernmost of the two parallel bridges.
Why is that surprising? The Mississippi River forms the border of ten states.
The railroad dives right into a short tunnel under the cloverleaf on the east bank.
Actually it sounds like the bridge is in three states now - the State of Louisiana, the State of Mississippi, and the State of Disrepair.
Heck, I"ve been across three bridges (and a tunnel) that are in two countries… And can name several others…
Backshop:
The fact that the original poster said the bridge WAS IN Mississippi but yet in reality crosses the Mississippi River into Louisiana, the contradictory incompleteness of his post should have been a red flag to me to avoid this thread. Thus, I now retract my posts herein. There was nothing surprising about a bridge being in two states.
Just a note: llThe water level inthe Mississippi River is more or less in a constant stgate flux. High or low, it is dependent upon the rainfall in the more northern reaches of its flood plain. The Corps of Engineers, is in a constant battle to maintain the MAIN Channel ( for depth, to allow barge traffic to navigate).
Because ofthe constant volumns of water passing a bridge, SCOURING action is a constant threat to bridge piers, all up and down the river; it is a function of the Corps of Engineers to monitor it.