Southern Viaduct

The Viaduct near Central Port Thomas, April 2011

The **Southern Viaduct** also known as the **Cobble Line** is an elevated series of rail bridges and tunnels that runs in a largely straight line from Birch to Lapis. The viaduct has been partially removed in stages since 2015. When it was built in February 2011, it ran in a perfectly straight line from Old Port Thomas Central Station to Lapis.

## Description

The cobble line runs at x -228 y 77 south for over 2000 blocks starting at Birch. The line passes through Honeyfield, Panda, Carotown and Survival Peninsula before reaching Lapis. As of January 2021, the line is discontinuous through Honeyfield after the removal of a section.

The entire length of the cobble line carries the Southern Line.

## History

### Construction

When Beta 1.2 was released in January 2011 ThatIsPeter wanted to mine some of the new Lapis Lazuli ore. Unsure exactly how far out he had to go to generate new terrain, he decided to 'play it safe' and go thousands of blocks away from Port Thomas.

Inspired by the Minecart Interstate video, the decision was made to build an elevated line for straightforwardness, views and to avoid monsters. Starting in Port Thomas, ThatIsPeter progressed south. Honeyfield Hut and Panda Hut were built as shelter to avoid monsters where the line touched ground. As construction progressed over water near what is now Carotown, ThatIsPeter fell from the line and had to swim to safety. The only land in sight at the time was a small peninsula. Upon lifting himself ashore he built Survival Peninsula Hut. After gathering some resources, the final push was made to finish the line, which was considered done upon first landing ground beyond Survival Peninsula. Lapistown House was built at the terminus and Lapis Mine. Whilst returning to Port Thomas Birch Hut was built to leave the line with a series of huts that were relatively evenly spaced out.

At the northern terminus, the Old Port Thomas Central Station was built and a lava fountain was placed over the start of the line.

### Addition of Railway

Although initially the line was for pedestrian traffic, the ultimate goal was to place rails its entire length. The first rails were installed soon after arriving back in Port Thomas. The first rails extended about two thirds the distance from Port Thomas to Birch and required power from a furnace minecart.

In late April to early May 2011 the first powered rails on the server were installed on the first section of the viaduct from Port Thomas to above what is now Kirklodge Key. From mid August to early September 2011 the powered rails were extended to Carotown. The cobble line quickly became an important piece of infrastructure and was the most efficient link between Spawn Point and southern settlements. Beginning in February 2012 the remainder of the line to Lapis was completed.

### Decline

The cobble line remained the sole land link to the southern settlements until the construction of Tres Grande Road in January 2012. The opening of Carotown Airport and Caldrose Airport further reduced use of the cobble line, but it remained important until the liberation of teleports in 2016.

In November 2015 the section of viaduct from Capital Gate to Birch was removed and the rail from Port Thomas to Birch was rerouted underground. The first section from Port Thomas to Capital Gate was preserved for but was no longer in use. In July 2017 the section from Port Thomas to Capital Gate was removed including the historic lava fountain.

In January 2021 a section of the line running through Honeyfield was removed. The rail was rerouted south of the line to service a new station.