Moodna Viaduct facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Moodna Viaduct |
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A Metro-North Port Jervis Line train crossing the Moodna.
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| Coordinates | 41°25′49″N 74°05′57″W / 41.43028°N 74.09917°W |
| Carries | 1 track of Norfolk Southern's Southern Tier Line |
| Crosses | Moodna Creek |
| Locale | Salisbury Mills, New York |
| Maintained by | Metro-North Railroad (owned by Norfolk Southern) |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Trestle |
| Total length | 3,200 feet (980 m) |
| Clearance below | 193 feet (59 m) |
| History | |
| Opened | January 1909 |
The Moodna Viaduct is a really tall and long iron railroad bridge. It crosses over the Moodna Creek and its valley in Cornwall, New York. It's near a village called Salisbury Mills.
Contents
Building a Giant Bridge
This amazing bridge was built a long time ago, between 1906 and 1909. The Erie Railroad company built it. It was part of a special shortcut for freight trains called the Graham Line. The bridge opened in January 1909.
How Big Is It?
The Moodna Viaduct is super long and tall! It stretches for 3,200 feet (about 975 meters). That's almost two-thirds of a mile! At its highest point, it's 193 feet (about 59 meters) high. This makes it the highest and longest railroad bridge east of the Mississippi River.
What Does It Cross?
Besides the valley, the viaduct crosses two roads: Otterkill Road and Orrs Mills Road. It also goes over the Moodna Creek. The bridge has an "open design." This helps reduce wind resistance, which is why it's still used today!
Trains and Tourists
Today, the viaduct carries trains from the Metro-North's Port Jervis commuter line. It also carries Norfolk Southern freight trains. The Salisbury Mills–Cornwall train station is close to one end of the bridge.
Keeping the Bridge Strong
Sometimes, parts of the bridge need fixing. For example, in 2007, some of the wooden parts were replaced. In 2009, repairs were made to the concrete supports. These repairs help keep the bridge safe for trains.
A Popular Sight
The Moodna Viaduct is also a popular spot for visitors in Salisbury Mills. Many people like to see it from the corner of Orrs Mills Road and Jackson Avenue. It looks especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves change color.
The Moodna Viaduct has even appeared in movies! You can see it in the 2007 film Michael Clayton and the 2020 film The Half of It.
Gallery
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View point across the length of the Moodna Viaduct from one of the ends.
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View from Moodna Viaduct looking east.
Images for kids
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View of the Moodna Viaduct in 1971.
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