Hawks Nest Railroad Bridge
by Susan Rissi Tregoning
Title
Hawks Nest Railroad Bridge
Artist
Susan Rissi Tregoning
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
The Hawks Nest Railroad Bridge, a structure I have always admired from the Hawks Nest scenic overlook, viewed close-up.
Initially built by the C&O Railway, it now serves as a path for CSX Railroad over the New River.
The original bridge constructed in 1872 had wood trusses. However, those trusses were replaced with steel trusses in 1892. The bridge underwent significant changes during the Hawks Nest hydroelectric power plant and dam construction to accommodate rising water levels. These modifications, completed around 1930, included adding heavy steel girders, removing the downstream walkway, and partially replacing cut sandstone abutments with reinforced concrete and steel - resulting in what we see today.
This site is a historically significant railroad location. It marks where the ceremonial last spike was driven on January 29, 1873 - signifying the completion of the C&O line from Richmond, Virginia, to Huntington, West Virginia. Interestingly, the ceremony was more symbolic than functional since the line was completed several days earlier.
Copyright 2023 Susan Rissi Tregoning
Uploaded
December 20th, 2023
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