New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1866-02-24
The Hudson River Bridge ut Albany-k
Train Of Cars Rum over 1.-THE Di-
rnensions-The Estimated Cost" The
Red Liue.o
From Oar Special Correspondent.

ALBANY, Feb. 20. lSC6.
The large bridge across the Hudson at Albany
is now near enough completed TO allow the passage Of
trains over it, 1t is structure which. for size and
tength is eqnaed by few in this country For several
years past the various railroad companies now inter
ested in this bridge the necessity Of constructing
IT, but lacked the nerve to undertake the Job Their
ambition however. oyeIcame their nervousness,
and in june 1864 the plans specifications, &C. of the
Albany bridge had been drawn and in that month Of
that year the work Of erecting the structure was
DeDced. The immediate supervision of the work
was placed in tie hands of Mr. Bridgeford
formerly Of the New-York Central Railroad but for
rome reason or other the affairs connected with his
department did Lot progress as rapidly os was wished
by the Directors and in consequence thereof Mr.. A f.
Smith, then and now Superintendent OF the Hudson
River Railroad was appointed Mr.. BTidgeiords
successor. Mr.. Smith Immediately selected his own
for the business and from that time forth the work
Of the wood tesse part Of il being under the imno
diate supervision Of Mr.. Newman, tie celebrated
bridge builder aud the mssonwoIk or construction of
piers being in charge Of MI Madden and Mr.. Snyder
The labor continued vigorously until Feb u.s. wien the
first locomOtiye-the Augustus ScheU, John DyCkman
epgneer-passed it in perfect safety. On tie 2st
Vi February another engine, drawing two loaded cars,
TUE DIMENSIONS OF TUE BRIDGE.
The extreme length Of the bridge from where 1t
icaves the track of the Hudson River Railroad the
Fast side OF the river to where il touches the track Of
the New Central Railroad on the west side is zoo
feet nearly mile. It's hight from high water mark
IL 80 feet The hight OF the tower over the draw from
high water mark is 90 feet.
THE DRAW
The draw consists OF two spens no feet each, and
when quarter open two vessels OF the largest size
Gan pass through at the same time.
THE ApUTMENTs.
The entire bridge rests upon 20 abutments These
hbutmelts piers firmly located and are cana.
bic Of withsandng any shock that the heaviest Spring
freshet bring TO bear agains, them. They con-
stracted Of limestone one stone being anchored Sc
Curey TO the other by Of iron bolts The north
side Of them is in the form Of " being made so in
order TO break the force OF the heavy flows Of fields of
ice floating southwark on the breaking up of the Hud
son every Spring.
-Four Of the spans supported by abutments are l72
feet EACH IA of them ~ feet each. and the other two
CON posing the draw 10 feet each.
INTERESTING ITEMS.
There one or two items connected with the strne
ture which win not prove unintcresug to the curious
These consist Of over 600 feet Of timber used the
work, 1000 ties and 100 tuns Of cast iron.
TIE TINE OF BUILDING AND COST.
The time consumed in its construction about 20
months and its estimated cost is about 81 200 COO
RAILROAD OFFICIALS CROSSING 1T.
On Thursday the 22d Of February. after meeting Of
railroad officials in the city Of Albany, train Of cars
made up 10 carry the Directors the bridge
general invitation having been extended 20 prominent
railroad men then in the city, TO accompany tie exouT
s'onBts Accordingly at 3:l5 0e'Ock IN the afternoon
Two splendid passenger cars, and baggage car with
locomotive attached standing in front Of tba Del
avian House awaiting the pleasure of the distinguished
party.
THECARS.
The attached TO this train were entirely new all
being painted outside with bright red aud highly
vanished. These cars were bnt expressly for the
new route. There 81 of them in an the New York
Central Railroad Company supplying rs the Poston
Company and the Hudson River RAILROAD COMPANY a
They are DC used only the direct roYt. from New
York Bn fao and the trains which thew Ie IN he
attached will 20 known as the Red Line"
The sleeping cars are OF the color. Tho inside
work on these ears Is magnificent They ara G-isheJ
IN OAK and walnut with velvet cushioned seats and
backs the ceiling being highly finished in green and
gold and fresco At either end convenient saloons
and costly mirrors. To each car Is attached patent
brake.
THE STARTING OF THE TRAIN.
At = O'clock, all being on board, the signal was given
AMI the train drawn w tho locomotive james c. floyd
al the ~ Y Central Rsilroad. Frank Shaler engineer,
started up The Central track for the bridge On Bdway
sar che west end OF the structure hundreds OF people
he'd e0ngregated TO witness the passage Of the train
snd az the cars neared the bridge shout after shout
vent Up In honor Of the event