A Railroad and Highway Bridge

1895

There is a peculiar stone bridge on the Stonington division of the New York, New Haven and Hartford railroad. When the wooden bridge of 60 feet span at Sherman's pond, half a mile from Kingston station, needed rebuilding, it was decided that it would be more economical to use stone.

At this point it is necessary for the company to maintain a farm road crossing, and as the stream connecting the ponds on each side of the railroad is not subject to floods, owing to a limited drainage area, it was found practicable to have a bridge within a bridge. The planking for the road bridge is laid through the arch, and the water flows underneath. The span of the arch, 18 feet, affords ample width for vehicles, and there is sufficient head room for the heaviest load of hay or other farm products.

It is said that there is no similar combination of railroad and highway bridges in New England. The arch, parapet, coping and bench walls are of cut granite, and the side walls are of rubble masonry. Although the first cost is greater than that of a wooden bridge, it will be the more economical in the end, as it is a permanent structure. — Providence Journal.