Gravois Road / MO 30 Underpass Viaduct - Bridge 11.1 - Gravois, MO, MP 11.0 - St. Louis Subdivision

Discussion in 'Bridges' started by pensive, May 26, 2013.

  1. pensive

    pensive Member Frisco.org Supporter

    The Frisco's River Division crosses over Gravois Road / Missouri 30 Highway in the Affton area of Saint Louis County by way of an elaborately built viaduct.

    Two U-shaped roads provide access to businesses along the viaduct and beside the tracks. Two rectangular structures flanking the track on the north side of the roadway might have been stairs to a pedestrian underpass. Pedestrians must now take their chances crossing the track.

    A diagram of the area shows that Gravois, MP 11.0, depot was once close by.

    http://www.frisco.org/vb/showthread.php?2524-Affton-Mo-Station

    Rich

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    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2024
  2. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Rich,

    Neat photos.

    I've never seen this viaduct or been aware of its existence.

    Now that I've looked it up on the track chart, it looks like it's Bridge 11.1 .

    Gravois on the St. Louis Subdivision, River Division is listed as MP 11.0.

    Anyone have an estimated date this viaduct was built?

    Best Regards,
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2024
  3. gstout

    gstout Member Frisco.org Supporter

    I looked at that bridge almost every day when I was in high school, and never thought much about when it was built.

    However, there are other similar overpasses in the St. Louis area.

    My best estimate, looking at the architecture, would be some time in the 1930s.

    It kinda has a WPA-era look to it, don't you think?

    GS
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2024
  4. TAG1014 (Tom Galbraith RIP 7/15/2020)

    TAG1014 (Tom Galbraith RIP 7/15/2020) Passed Away July 15, 2020 Frisco.org Supporter

    Great pictures Rich!

    Any of you guys ever think about kit bashing Walthers' deco underpass kit into something like this?

    Tom
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2024
  5. meteor910

    meteor910 2009 Engineer of the Year Staff Member Frisco.org Supporter

    It is a neat old thing, and looks to be in pretty good shape for its age.

    I'd guess late 1930s or sometime in the 1940s, given its features, and given the narrow roadway underneath.

    Note it says "Frisco Lines".

    Greg may be right-on with his WPA comment.

    Ken
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2024
  6. gstout

    gstout Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2024
  7. mark

    mark Staff Member Staff Member

    Rich,

    Thank you very much for posting these photographs.

    As the Frisco's infrastructure continues to age, more and more items are being torn down or replaced. It is a shame we have not better documented more "everyday" items along the way. In addition to bridges, basic signal installations immediately come to mind. Railroads are repidly replacing search light signals with hooded tri-light signals.

    Thank you again for taking the time to document the "ordinary", every day features of the Frisco!

    Hope this helps.

    Thanks!

    Mark
     
  8. pensive

    pensive Member Frisco.org Supporter

    It's been my pleasure to post these photographs.

    The viaduct appears to be in good condition for a 76 year old structure, and is likely to be around for many years to come. I looked for a date on it as most concrete structures built by the Frisco have one, but could find none. Perhaps it is on the filled in pedestrian underpass.

    Tom, a supreme modeler's challenge would be to engrave the lettering on the bridge.

    I can't think of a way to do it!

    Rich
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2024
  9. Oldguy

    Oldguy Member Frisco.org Supporter

    The easiest way that I can think of would be casting the sides.

    Get some appropriate raised plastic-type lettering and glue them to formwork so the letters are backwards and then cast away. Unless one wants multiple copies, then make a mold with the lettering not backwards.

    My wording is a little off, but hopefully, you get the idea.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 29, 2024

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