Aban/CR/NYC/Big Four Bridge over Kankakee River near Schneider, IN

(no Bridge Hunter?, Satellite)

20150510 1134

Considering how long this route has been abandoned south of Schneider, I'm surprised the steel has not been salvaged. The satellite image shows that even the rails are still present. I made a point of taking its picture because I knew the river was running high. I need to make another trip by it to see if I can catch a low-water image. Notice all of the flotsam jammed up against the bents of the wood trestle.

Joe M McMillan caught the river even higher and with a northbound Milwaukee Road train on May 22, 1983.

Apr 2024:

safe_image for Bridge that attracts logjams on Kankakee River will be removed
They will remove the closely spaced wooden bents; the concrete supports will remain in case the railroad decides to reuse the line.
Removing the debris buildup should reduce flooding. The difference between minor and major flood stages on the Kankakee River is 11.5' (3.5m) vs. 12.5' (3.8m).
NS handled the necessary approvals, and river commissions will fund the work.

John Eagan posted

Well there goes your hopes that the NS line south of Schneider will ever see a train again!  The timber approach to the south end of the Kankakee River bridge has been removed as of 8/30/2024.  

Photo by John Eagan

Harold J. Krewer: Don't think that would prevent them restoring service if they REALLY wanted to. Chances are good that if the line was ever reactivated they'd replace the entire bridge anyway.

For all the supposed wailing and grinding of teeth about how they wish they'd never have abandoned the ex-Wabash north of Gibson City, they've had this perfectly-good alternative running north from Danville ever since the Conrail split and have done nothing with it.

John Eagan: Harold J. Krewer I agree that the bridge would have needed work to bring it into standard anyway. And for reactivation all that is needed is a big customer or two!

I’ve always thought that if the elevator at Ade wanted service that it would be easy for the TP&W to open the line from Kentland north. Just look at how easy it was the car repair shop to reopen the line from Sheff north nearly to Kentland.