This is the Reynolds Drive Bridge in Charleston (Chucktown) Illinois:
Built in 1909.
A one-laner.
And a real butt-puckerer to drive across.
Actually, you can't drive across it right now.
Why?
I've got a couple good memories of this old bridge.
First off, it was one of Mr. Lord's favorite places to take students during Drivers Ed journeys to Charleston. Since it's a one-laner, traffic is controlled by a red-yellow-green stoplight. Combine that with the fact that a driver cannot see over the crest of the bridge until the vehicle is halfway over, and it's a REAL harrowing trip across. Plus, with the windows down, I remember hearing every creak and groan of the bridge's old wood as the Drivers Ed car was crossing.
Next memory.... my Uncle Kevin and I rode on those rails under the bridge many years ago, when we journeyed from Neoga to Metcalf in his railroad maintenance car. I remember the Reynolds Drive Bridge being the first Charleston landmark we saw as we rolled into town.
With the bridge being 105 years old and in rough shape, it may never have another vehicle cross it. That rail line is not very busy at all, so I can't imagine they'd spend a fortune to repair the bridge... or put in a new one.
Out for now.....
Matt