The next Pic of the Week Tribute features this unusual bridge. When we think of arch bridges, we think of a straight deck supported by an arch- be it a deck arch with spandrels or a through arch, independent of whether it has an overhead cover (making it a through arch) or not (making it a pony). We rarely think of arch bridges where the deck is arched, unless you travel to Europe or Asia, where one can find plenty of them.
The Maloney Circle Bridge in Vicksburg, Mississippi is one of those rare bridges that has an arched decking. The bridge spans the Illinois Central Railroad line at Maloney Circle. The structure was built by the William T. Young Bridge Company of Nashville, Tennessee in 1908. While there is little info on the dimensions of the bridge, one can guess that the bridge is approximately 80-90 feet long and 16 feet wide. Unique about this bridge is the Art Deco ornaments on the girder, as seen in the side picture by Mr. Backlin, but also the railings, whose panels are shaped like typical closed spandral arch bridges. Regardless of how you see them- side view or portal view as in the picture below, one can notice them.
Because of its unusual design, the Maloney Circle Bridge has received many national accolades. It’s part of the Vicksburg National Military Park complex, which features several unique roads and bridges that once belonged to the military grounds. It has been well documented by HABS-HAER-HALS. The bridge is still accessible as a pedestrian crossing and even though Mr.Backlin has photographed this bridge many times, including the ones presented here from 2009, it is certain that it has been rehabilitated and restored to its original glory.
For those who have a more recent pic of this bridge, please feel free to contact me using the contact details by clicking here.
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The Bridgehunter's Chronicles 