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Rosendale Trestle facts for kids

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Rosendale Trestle
The trestle, photographed in April 2011
The trestle, photographed in April 2011
Carries Wallkill Valley Rail Trail, formerly Wallkill Valley Railroad
Crosses
Locale Rosendale, New York, United States
Characteristics
Design Post truss
Material Steel
Total length 940 feet (290 m)
Width 6 ft (1,829 mm) (broad gauge)
Number of spans 9
Clearance below 150 feet (46 m) above the water
History
Constructed by
  • A. L. Dolby & Company
  • Waston Manufacturing Company
  • King Bridge Company
Fabrication by Carnegie Steel Company
Construction begin 1870
Construction end 1872
Inaugurated April 6, 1872

The Rosendale Trestle is an amazing bridge in Ulster County, New York. It was finished in 1872. This super long bridge stretches 940 feet (about 287 meters) across the Rondout Creek. It also crosses New York State Route 213 and used to go over the old Delaware and Hudson Canal.

Today, the Rosendale Trestle is part of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. This means it's a popular path where people can walk, run, and bike. It offers awesome views from 150 feet (about 46 meters) above the water!

Building the Rosendale Trestle

The Rosendale Trestle was built a long time ago, starting in 1870 and finishing in 1872. It was made to carry trains for the Wallkill Valley Railroad. Imagine trains rumbling across this huge steel structure!

Who Built It?

Several companies worked together to build this impressive bridge. These included A. L. Dolby & Company, Waston Manufacturing Company, and the King Bridge Company. The steel for the bridge was made by the Carnegie Steel Company.

Bridge Design and Materials

The Rosendale Trestle is a type of bridge called a Post truss. This design uses a pattern of triangles to make the bridge strong and stable. It's made of tough steel, which was a very modern material for bridges back then. The bridge has 9 sections, called spans, that connect its different parts.

From Trains to Trails

For many years, the Rosendale Trestle was a busy railroad bridge. Trains carried goods and people across it. But over time, trains stopped using this route.

A New Purpose

Instead of letting the old bridge fall apart, people decided to give it a new life! The Rosendale Trestle was fixed up and opened again in 2013 as part of the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail. Now, it's a fantastic place for outdoor activities.

Enjoying the Views

When you walk or bike across the trestle today, you can see amazing sights. You'll get a great view of Joppenbergh Mountain and the beautiful Rondout Creek flowing below. It's a perfect spot to enjoy nature and get some exercise.

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