Cairo Rail Bridge, Railway bridge across Ohio River in Wickliffe, United States
The Cairo Rail Bridge extends 20,461 feet across the Ohio River with a main span measuring 518 feet between Illinois and Kentucky.
The first bridge from 1889 established the initial railway connection between Chicago and New Orleans, transforming north-south transportation along the Mississippi River.
The bridge construction reflected industrial progress in American railway development during the 1880s through advanced engineering techniques and materials.
The structure maintains a 53-foot clearance above the river's high-water mark to accommodate river navigation while supporting Canadian National Railway traffic.
An earthquake measuring 6.6 magnitude in 1895 impacted one of the bridge piers, marking the largest seismic event in the region since 1812.
Location: Illinois
Location: Kentucky
Official opening: October 29, 1889
GPS coordinates: 37.02310,-89.17560
Latest update: March 5, 2025 20:57
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