This massive viaduct bridge approaches the MacArthur Bridge on the east side, going through the city of East Saint Louis.
The approach viaduct is absolutely massive. It contains three large spans, along with numerous deck girder spans in between.
These massive spans are set onto steel bents, and supported by concrete footings. Viaduct #4 branches off on the west end of this viaduct, and Viaduct #5 branches off on the east side.
The main spans are truss spans. The first truss span is a large 10-panel pin connected Baltimore Half Through Truss. This span is unique, as half through trusses are rare spans. This span crosses the former Wabash yard, now Norfolk Southern.
The next truss crosses another TRRA line, on a 7-Panel Pratt Through Truss with pinned connections. This span is a typical truss span.
The third and final through truss span crosses a former Chicago & Alton Line. This span is a large 9-Panel pin connected Pennsylvania Through Truss.
The remaining spans are a significant number of deck girder spans which are set into a viaduct configuration. There are nearly 150 of these spans. Two main streets this bridge cross are 19th Street and IL-3.
Unfortunately, this bridge is set into an unsafe location. East Saint Louis is one of the most dangerous cities in America, and this bridge goes right through of the most notorious part of the town.
The bridge has been rated as highly significant by the author. The bridge represents a number of different truss spans, and engineering types. The length of the viaduct, nearly 2 miles only adds to the significance.
The photo above is looking west along the bridge, near truss #1. The photo below is a segment of viaduct near IL-3. The author hopes to get more photos in the near future.
The viaduct has been divided into 3 Segments:
Segment 1 runs from the MacArthur Bridge to Truss #1
Segment 2 runs from Truss #1 to Truss #3
Segment 3 runs from Truss #3 to the East End.
| Main Spans | MacArthur Bridge | |
| Illinois Approaches | MacArthur Approach Viaduct #4 | MacArthur Approach Viaduct #5 |
| Missouri Approaches | MacArthur Approach Viaduct #1 | MacArthur Approach Viaduct #3 |
These Pictures Start at varying points in the Series
