An Old, Sturdy Railroad Bridge
I recently had the opportunity to travel back to my hometown, Janesville, Wisconsin. The town of over 60,000 sits in southern Wisconsin on the Rock River. Throughout its history, the river has been an important part of the city. This is reflected, figuratively and quite literally, in Janesville Bridges. The town calls itself many things; Park Place, City of Parks and River City, to name a few. But a town so connected to the river could also call itself City of Bridges.
At first, I was going to call this post Infrastructure. But that word conjures up other words, like spreadsheets, numbers, tax dollars, drawings and spending. In other words, Boring! But I don’t think it’s boring at all. We got off the beaten path to see true beauty in a set of railroad bridges. Standing next to the main artery to the south side of town is a wonderful set of stone and steel railroad bridges. These bridges are magnificent! Up close, they are awe inspiring. The intricate steel work sitting on top of stone supports presents not only a significant piece of “infrastructure” but also a work of art.
On this lovely late summer afternoon, after gathering at our annual family picnic, we took off to look for things to photograph. And I remembered these imposing structures. Arriving at the perfect time of day, we were able to capture true infrastructure in all its magnificent glory.
First – The Old
Trestle Railway Bridge
This old bridge is truly a thing of wonder. The craftsmanship is clearly visible in the stone and steel. This bridge is well over 100 years old and is still in use today. It is stately, robust, functional, yet a work of art.
Sunset Through the Bridge
Look in the distance to see another railroad bridge in the background. The sun was just right on the day we visited this quite spot.
Stone and Steel Railway Bridge
When Captured in Black and White, you become transported back in time and can imagine how things looked so long ago. You can almost see ancestors in long dresses, coats and hats, and horse drawn carriages down at the water’s edge.
Reflection Under Bridge
Standing on duty, decade after decade, it’s fun to stop and look at the beauty all around us.
Now – The New
Jackson Street Bridge Arches
Not far from the stately old railway trestle is the new Jackson Street bridge. What intrigued me about coming upon this new bridge was both this shape and the fact that the stillness of the water helped create a perfect reflection. I like to get down close and find a different perspective than one would get just driving over the bridge. I remember the old bridge and its shadow and style are reflected in the new replacement with its concrete balistraids along the sidewalks and sweeping arches.
Bridge Reflection
Always look under the bridge because you may find another one lurking in the background.
Famous Landmark
I couldn’t photograph the landscape around the Rock River and Janesville bridges without capturing a famous landmark in my hometown.
The Monterey Rock
This was a landmark for travelers close to 200 years ago, and may be how the river got its name. Here’s more to the story.
We were just getting ready to leave when I looked over my shoulder. We were at the perfect time of day, that time photographers call the “Golden Hour.” It’s just before sunset when there is a golden hue throughout the landscape and the harsh sunlight of midday has softened to a diffused gentle light. There’s also a very short time when the sky can appear on fire. That’s what is happening here.
There is Beauty Everywhere
All we have to do is slow down and look for it. On this day, Diana and I were just driving around my home town looking for interesting things. Amazingly, I’d never gotten this close to the steel girded railway bridge in my youth. I was awed to look up at the towering bridge. Hope you enjoy!
Beautiful work Tom! Enjoyed the photos and stories.
Beautiful pics