When the BMRR roadbed was originally constructed beginning in 1884, it crossed many low places containing small streams or creeks or low places between ridges. If cut-stone culverts could not be built to span a creek, a trestle (bridge) was built. If a low place needed to be spanned and building-up the roadbed was not an option, a trestle was built. Many of those historic trestles (some of them over 130 years old) still exist, still have streams or creeks flowing through them, and some still have active freight train tracks on them. Presented here are photographs and location information for many of those historic trestles which can still be seen as part of the old roadbed. CAUTION: Access to many of these trestles is through private property which must not be entered without permission of the owner. CAUTION: Walking on these old trestles is not advised due to possible deterioration of some of the timbers.
NOTE: Generally, clicking on an image will enlarge it for better viewing.
Trestle at 7865 Old Bradford Road near Highway 79. Trestle is in two parts due to the section above street having been removed. NOTE metal sheeting along top side in one photo; apparently, purpose was to keep steam engine’s hot cinders from catching trestle on fire.
Trestle on Blue Creek Extension — Johns Road between Adger and North Johns.
Trestle on Blue Creek Extension — Johns Road at North 33 20 38.84 West 87 07 53.88
Tall Trestle in Etowah County (near Altoona).
Low Trestle in Blount County (near Altoona).
James Lowery, November 14, 2015
James Lowery, November 14, 2015
Champion Mine: Trestle over Champion Creek on Huntsville Branch No. 2. NOTE metal sheeting along top side in one photo; apparently, purpose was to keep steam engine’s hot cinders from catching trestle on fire. In 2016, this trestle had 45-ton logging trucks passing over it with no damage to the trestle! CAUTION: This is on private property which must not be entered without permission of the owner.
Photo by Van Gunter.
Trestle over Gurley Creek in northeast Jefferson County near Blount County line.
(September 2015)
(September 2015)
Trestle over Turkey Creek in northeast Jefferson County. Turkey Creek in this area is home to the endangered Vermilion Darter which is found only in Turkey Creek.
(September 2015)
BMRR trestle still in use for active freight train tracks beside Carolina Terrace in Bessemer.
(September 2015)
Remains of a small trestle over an active drainage ditch near the entrance to the Dolcito Quarry in Tarrant.
(September 2015)
Remains of a very small trestle over a drainage ditch beside present-day Oporto Madrid Boulevard near 68th Place South in Birmingham.
