B&O Railroad Bridge over Wabash River

Montezuma, IN

The rails to trails project was the revitalization of an abandoned B&O railroad bridge across the Wabash River in Montezuma, Indiana. The old bridge was converted into a pedestrian bridge with a grant from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The existing 850 foot long bridge spanned the Wabash between Parke County and Vermillion County. The existing railroad rails and timber ties were removed, and Clark Dietz designed precast concrete deck panels, wooden handrails, and abutment retrofits so that the concrete decking could be placed on the existing stringers. Constructability was at a premium, due to tight constraints, but also that the precast panels were placed by volunteer forces from Parke County. The one-ton, 3’ – 4.5″ long panels were designed to be moved with a small forklift and ease construction.

Rails to Trails

Awards


2018 ACEC Indiana Engineering Excellence Merit Award