Alpha Crossing - MP RR & Gravois Creek Overpass - Bridge 12.5 - Affton, MO - St. Louis Subdivision

Discussion in 'Bridges' started by pensive, Aug 12, 2006.

  1. pensive

    pensive Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Alpha Crossing lies on the Frisco's River Division in an unincorporated area of Saint Louis County known as Affton, MO.

    The crossing consists of 7 spans of deck plate girder bridges and a short span of steel trestle. Originally it crossed over the Missouri Pacific's Carondelet Branch, Gravois Creek, and the entrance to the Alpha Cement Company, from where these spans got their name.

    Today, portions of the Carondelet Branch have been turned into a bike path, and the Alpha Cement property is being developed as an industrial park. Driving through the industrial park it's evident that it was once a limestone quarry.

    If one has access to the book Trackside around St. Louis 1952-1959 with Jim Ozment by James Sandrin, on page 95 is a picture of how this area looked in 1955, however the train is northbound, not southbound as stated.

    Photographs by Rich Lawler.
     

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    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 28, 2024
  2. yardmaster

    yardmaster Administrator Staff Member Administrator Frisco.org Supporter

    Many thanks for the contemporary photos, Rich.

    I've seen several photos from Don Wirth of 4-6-2 Pacific types leading the "Sunnyland" across what I think is this crossing.

    I believe Mike Condren even has one on his website showing latter-day E7a (EA7) and E8A redbirds with the same train.

    Great stuff; thanks again for sharing!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 28, 2024
  3. pensive

    pensive Member Frisco.org Supporter

    Thanks for the compliment, Chris.

    I had fun putting the post together.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jan 28, 2024

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