Fort Madison, Iowa Swing Bridge In Action
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- Опубликовано: 14 окт 2024
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I watch the Amtrak SW Chief cross this bridge everyday on the internet . When a barge crosses through, they open the bridge and the traffic is stopped on both sides, they refer to that as getting boated ! I am sure they don’t open that bridge for free either. I’m sure it costs these barge owners a lot of money each year and with these tolls they charge the vehicles that also cross each day, it has to take in a good amount of money each day. It seems like all that revenue could be used to keep that bridge in excellent condition. I am always fascinated watching it open. I want to travel to Ft. Madison someday and see it in person.
I saw this Bridge Twenty Years ago. On My 2001 Summer Vacation. Great Video!!! F+L, Corey
“WHEN KLAXON SOUNDS AND RED LIGHT SHOWS, LOOK OUT FOR GATE”
That was a sign on the bridge at each side just before the swing span. I remember that from the very early 1950’s. Even though they use a siren now I enjoyed seeing the gate come down in this video remembering seventy years ago as if it were yesterday. Thanks
Awesome structure!
Is the bridge manned 24 hours a day, or is it automatic? Just asking because I cant see a cabin on it
There is a toll booth on the bridge, although I doubt they handle the movement. The toll booth has to be on the bridge because toll roads aren't allowed in Iowa, so they can only charge a toll for the Illinois portion of the bridge.
If I ever win the lottery I plan a trip to see that place and spend time there and watch a lot of trains while I'm there
Why would you need to win a lottery? Just wait for a seat sale and book a flight.
I live here an see it everyday, come on down
Where are you from? Being from Iowa, and crossing this bridge a handful of times, it shouldn't break your bank.
Wonderful post. Thanks for doing the post.
I was wondering of all the years this bridge has been operating, how many kids have snuck on and gone for a ride on it! Seems like one of those things that if you grew up there that would be the big dare!!
Several years ago, I was the first car in line from the Iowa side that was stopped. A barge took quite a while to get through. I have some great pictures. When I crossed, there were two westbounds waiting.
Can you imagine how much rail traffic will have to be detoured if that bridge ever has to be replaced. And some say she's falling apart now.
It's owned by BNSF. Ofc it's falling apart.
What happens if you've stalled in the middle when it's about to open
Well........... guess your in for the ride
Then you and everyone stuck behind you gets to go for a ride.
Also for trains?
Wouldn't it have been cheaper and more economical to just build a higher bridge?
It was built in 1927. They're going to need to replace it soon, but ofc BNSF is putting it off as long as possible. Raising the train tracks up to cross the Mississippi would mean drastically changing the track grade and mess with the entire trainyard in Ft Madison - which is also why they're putting off changing anything.
I cross this bridge 3-times every day! I understand the excitement for those seeing it for the first time. Fact is everyone around here
is tired of it as the bridge will be 100 years old in 2027 and it's age is showing. There all always at least one BNSF truck parked on the bridge, it seems in the day time, getting ready to do whatever needs to be done to keep it going. I have my doubt's when BNSF eventually replaces the bridge, if the new one will have a hard deck (road surface) for passenger cars to cross, at least this is what I've heard from several people. Pay toll is $2 coming from Iowa to Illinois and free the other way. At this time though, because of Covid 19 toll has been suspended for several months. This is a big help for me as I spend around $150.00 a month in toll fee's crossing this bridge and I hear it will most likely be raised to $3 sometime in the near future. I calculated between the toll and time lost that this bridge cost me over $400 a month in toll and labor lost. I will be moving to Iowa soon and can honestly say for now I won't miss this aging piece of Iron at all.
Dwr R, to ur knowledge has there ever been an incident where a vehicle has mistakenly been on the bridge when it was opened for river traffic?
@@mikelowary2214 Not in my over 40 years of driving. I think the barge would stop and they would clear traffic before opening the bridge.
@@dwrr4868 Thank you, @Dwr R!
Nobody can get tired of a bridge that moves.
Great action. Thanks for the view of watching a piece of equipment like this in action!!
swimming lesson start when gates go down
I see it everyday my home town