Tenbridge facts for kids
The Tenbridge is a special kind of railroad bridge in Chattanooga, Tennessee. It crosses over the Tennessee River. This bridge is known as a vertical-lift bridge, which means a part of it can move straight up and down like an elevator! This allows tall boats to pass underneath. The main moving section of the bridge is about 310 feet (94 meters) long.
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History of the Tenbridge
How the Bridge Changed Over Time
The Tenbridge wasn't always a vertical-lift bridge. When it was first built around 1879 or 1880, it was a swing bridge. A swing bridge has a section that pivots or "swings" open from a central point, like a gate, to let ships go by.
However, by 1917, the old swing bridge was replaced with a new vertical-lift design. The tall towers and the machinery needed to lift the bridge weren't fully put in place until 1920. This new design made it easier and faster for trains to cross and for boats to pass.
A Busy Railroad Crossing
Today, the Tenbridge is still a very important and busy crossing for trains. It is part of the Cincinnati, New Orleans and Texas Pacific Railway, which is a big part of the Norfolk Southern Railway system. Two main train tracks run across this bridge, carrying many trains every day.
Home for Rare Birds
The Tenbridge is more than just a railroad bridge; it's also a special home for some amazing birds! It is one of only three known places in Tennessee where peregrine falcons build their nests. Peregrine falcons are very fast birds of prey, and they are considered an endangered species in Tennessee. This means there are not many of them left, and they need protection. The tall structure of the bridge provides a safe and high place for these falcons to raise their young.
