Daily Iowa State Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1856-1859, 1859-06-21

The BRIDGE IN DAN,ER.-A rather
serious accident happenedto the Railroad
Bridge, on Saturday evening, which came
near resulting most disastrosly. 1t appears
that heavy laden casle train, con-
sisting of some thirty-five cas- was passing
over, just before dark and while passing
over the first span this side of the draw,
a portion of the eastern chordof the bridge
gave way, making report asloud as that
caused by the discharge Of nusket. The
train moved on without any accident, but
upon examination of the chord N question,
it was ascertained that it hsd gwen away,
and that the end resting on the per next to
tho draw pier, had moved forw,rd about
four inches. rendering it impossible to eth
er open or close the draw until alout four
inches of the chord which pressed against
the chord of the draw bridge had seen cut
away. The pier was also racked afresh,
and thrown considerably askew. Such was
the immensity of the pressure of tn, arch
beams against the north side of tn, pier,
that (there being no corresponding pressure
on the south sde) the large blocks ofstone
which compose it, we're rent asunder and
laid in gaps seficieutly wide to receive
persons hand. The par was also crowded
over to the west-ths upper portion low
being considerably out of place. The
men in charge Of the bridge Immediately
secured the chords from pushing for ward
further. by means of large cable chains.
which were fastened to the truss work, and
running from the north to the south of tn.
break.
We were informed. by the Bridge Master,
that no more trains will be permitted to
venture across, until the damage. is repair
ed. 1t is understood, however, that
trains will approach the Gd of the
bridge - pass along to he draw,
where passengers and baggage will be
shipped across the damaged portion, and
reloaded on this, the north end. This will
be somewhat inconv enient, but it is the
best that cAn be done. No train OF any
kind should be permitted to cross. under
any circumstances, until the damage is fully
repaired.
We understand that it 10 proposed to re-
pair the pit by putting in new and more
durable stone. also to put in brace from thu
draw pier b the damaged pier, to counteract
the pressueo of the arch beam. This will be
done Immediately The damaged pier should
be entirel. rebuilt There is not q stone in it
that is fitto be in such place. The same
is true Of every pier in the structure. There
is not onsof them that will last 30 long, or
stand the ,ffects of time and water 90 well,
as ordinat pine wood. The piers are. all of
them, conkructed from the LIE Claire stone,
which is bout % good in water - . soft
brick.
Thew&k Of repairing the bridge will be
pushed s,esd ss rapidly - possible. It
should b done in the most substantial
manner. Let that shattered pier, which is
already bed. be taken out and replaced by
respestate masonry. If good stone cannot
be got, ut in 6riek-they make better piers
than the tone which now compose them We
don't towant see any man-trsp operation
about II structure. People ere not dis.
posed d run the risk Of crossing over
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