stormdog: (Tawas dog)
MeghanIsMe ([personal profile] stormdog) wrote2016-04-27 12:46 pm

Kinzua Bridge Photos, a Bit Late

I've finally edited some of my pictures from the Kinzua Bridge!

This 300-foot tall railroad bridge was built in 1882, at which point it was one of the largest in the world. Click the photo for a little longer writeup if you're interested, or check out the Wikipedia article.

I stopped here during my move from New York to Illinois, which led to me driving around narrow, winding roads in the mountains in a loaded moving truck. Not the wisest idea, I'll admit, but I'd do it again.


Kinzua Bridge - Mt. Jewett, PA


More photos behind



Kinzua Bridge - Mt. Jewett, PA

The bridge collapsed in a tornado in 2003, in the midst of renovations intended, in part, to strengthen it against high winds. Now, the partially collapsed bridge is a big attraction in itself, with a skywalk that takes you out over the valley for amazing views.


Kinzua Bridge - Mt. Jewett, PA

Did I mention I was driving here in the middle of a blizzard? By wonderful luck, the snow had died down before I arrived, and didn't pick up again until after I left. But you can see the blanket of it here along the walkway. Isn't it wonderful that they left the train tracks intact in the middle?



Kinzua Bridge - Mt. Jewett, PA

The collapsed support columns have all been left in place as a reminder of the passage of time and power of nature.



Kinzua Bridge - Mt. Jewett, PA

The missing section is quite lengthy. Looking at this photos reminds me a little of the unfinished railroad trestle from the third Back to the Future movie.



Kinzua Bridge - Mt. Jewett, PA

The accomodations here were not so attractive in the middle of the winter, but I think this would be a wonderful place to day-trip to in warmer weather, maybe with a dog and picnic lunch. Winter gives the bridge a stark monochrome beauty, but I'd love to see it in the Spring and Summer too.



Kinzua Bridge - Mt. Jewett, PA

I wondered whether I should be put off by this sign, but being me, I decided to walk out there anyway. I wasn't alone either!



Kinzua Bridge - Mt. Jewett, PA

Looking at the ruined portion of the bridge and the remaining intact length opposite the skywalk.




Kinzua Bridge - Mt. Jewett, PA

And here was my big, boxy chariot for this mountain adventure. I parked on the road, if you can call it that in these conditions, leading to the parking lot. I decided trying to actually get into the lot itself, would likely end up with me stuck in the snow, and once was quite enough of that.

Thanks for looking!