Maiden Lane Bridge, Railway bridge in Albany, US
Maiden Lane Bridge is a railway bridge spanning the Hudson River between Albany and Rensselaer with 15 steel spans and double tracks. The structure features steam-powered swing mechanisms designed to allow river traffic to pass while trains continue crossing.
The Hudson River Bridge Company completed this crossing in 1871, making it the second rail bridge at Albany to serve expanding transportation needs. The design avoided timber elements after the Troy fire of 1862 highlighted the dangers of wooden construction.
Engineers from Phoenixville Iron Works incorporated the innovative Phoenix Column design, which revolutionized bridge construction through stronger and lighter structural components.
Access to the bridge is limited as it remains active for rail traffic and is not designed for general pedestrian use. The best way to view the structure is from surrounding areas along the Hudson River or from public vantage points nearby.
The structure contained minimal wooden elements, diverging from traditional bridge designs after the Troy fire of 1862 demonstrated the vulnerability of timber construction.
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