logo

Sohl Avenue Swing Bridge

Abandoned Swing Bridge over Grand Calumet River
Hammond, Lake County, Indiana

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Sohl Avenue Swing Bridge
Built By Chicago, Cincinnati & Louisville Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By City of Hammond
Length 255 Feet Total, 150 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 10 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Pratt Through Truss Swing Bridge and Trestle
Substructure Type Stone Masonry and Concrete
Date Fabricated Ca. 1885
Date Built 1902
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is Abandoned)
Current Status Abandoned
Significance High Significance
The Chicago, Cincinnati and Louisville Railroad built a line here in 1902, connecting Chicago to the namesake towns.
By 1910, it would be merged into the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad of Indiana, which became part of the Chesapeake & Ohio in 1934.

The C&O became part of CSX Transportation in 1986. It is unknown when this line was abandoned, although it was likely before the CSX merger.
06/26/21


This bridge is the original structure at this location, and was built in 1902.
The bridge was built to cross the Grand Calumet River, which was once a bustling waterway.
Today, the river is a toxic waste dump of polluted waters.
The truss is a 10 panel, pin connected Pratt Through Truss. It is resting on a swing pier, which creates a center pivot structure.
Approached by trestle spans, the bridge also features stone and concrete substructures.

Because the bridge looks at least 20 years older than the 1902 date given, it is possible that this bridge was relocated or built for another railroad.
It is hoped that if anyone has information about this bridge, the author would appreciate it.
The bridge is extremely overgrown, crossing the river next to Sohl Avenue.

The author has ranked this bridge as being highly significant, due to the old design and unknown history. In addition, this is one of the few remaining movable bridges across this river.
The bridge is also facing an unknown future. It has been mentioned sparingly that it could be developed into a trail.

The photo above is looking north across the bridge.

Grand Calumet River Railroad Bridges
Upstream Erie Grand Calumet River Bridge
Downstream NICT Grand Calumet River Bridge

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Chicago, Cincinnati & Louisville Railway Bridge report
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele



Widget is loading comments...



© Copyright 2010- John Marvig and Contributors. All Rights Reserved