The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1886-07-27
A DANGEROUS PROJECT.
A Plan for Replacing the Stone Piers of the
Niagara SUSPENSION Bridge with Iron.

Niagara Suspension Bridge with Iron
NIAGARA Falls Special
Some very important improvements are being
made in the Niagara railroad suspension bridge
which may turn out to be as dangerous as they
are difficult of accomplishing in an engineering
way. The bridge is one of the best points from
which spectators can view the whirlpool rapids,
which have been made famous by the trips of
the Maid of the Mist. Captain Webb and Ora
ham, the barrel man. and in which the English
swimmer lost his life 1t is the only bridge at
the falls which has passage-way for foot pas
seugers mono being allowed to pass on the can't
lever bridge The whirlpool rapids are nearly
two hundred feet below the bridge and begin
just under it. The bridge was finished on March
%, 1855, and was for some years thereafter con-
sidered wonderful structure. In 1880 it under
went an important change, when all the wooden
portions Of the bridge were removed and iron
substituted for the extracted woodwork. The
cables are the strongest portions of the struct-
ure, and have never been disturbed, because
there is no question aboutther durability.
When the iron was substituted for the wooden
parts of the BRIDGE six years ago, the travel on
it was practically permitted to go on without
hindrance much more importan and trouble
some change Is the one now about tn be made.
The four massive towers of rock which support
the big cables of the bridge are to be replaced
with iron supports, and it is thought now that
although perhaps dangerous, this can be done
without much interference with the of the
bridge. Superintendent Swan said to a
correspondent tnaL Saiety VIII De cOnSld-
cred above all things, and every precaution to
avoid an accident has been taken by Mr.. Buck.
the engineer in charge of the work. There will
be times wheE perhaps the trains will be- slightly
delayed, so that even one chance in thousand
may not contribute to the precipitation of such a
disaster would involve hurting train into
the chasm of Niagara.
Workmen are now making room on the sides
Of the towers for the preliminary iron work,
and stone is being Clipped away with care by ex-
perienced men who know just which ones to re-
move. On the tops of the towers men. who look
like pigInies from below, are drilling holes in
the caps, so that when the time comes the n.y.
draulic jacks may be applied and the great ca
bles safely Graded from the stone supports
which have held them so long aud placed on
strong iron towers, which will replace the stone
ones This branch of the work is regarded as
very difficult and will occupy about two weeks
time. 1t is not unattended with danger. should
some portion of the complicated apparatus give
way at critical time. So carefully. however,
have all the plans been made that in the Office of
the bridge company are great piles of diagrams
showing the exact location and dimensions of all
the stones, rivets and beams in the great strnct-
ure. This work cost large sum of money, but
has proved invaluable The iron work is being
made in Detroit, and the shipments Of material
will soon begin The cost of the new towers will
be $4,000 Disintegration of stone is the reason
for changing the towers