Nostalgia & History > NW Connecticut Archeology II: Whiting Viaduct

About one and a quarter miles west of the Stoney Lonesome the Connecticut Western had to cross the Whiting River. They elected to build a double stone arch tunnel (one part for a road, the other for the river), and then make an earthen fill across the valley. The embankment is at least 50' tall.

Usually, rail builders built timber trestles as a quick solution, and then slowly fill them in over the years. That was not the case here, according to photographs of the original construction.

The abandoned viaduct is not easy to get to. You take Old Turnpike Road South (in East Canaan) as far as you can, and then hike a quarter-mile or so to the Whiting River. The site, known locally as "The Arches," is just upriver a couple of hundred feet.

The road is not in use.

Ray



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 01/26/15 17:50 by Ray_Murphy.

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Fascinating and beautiful photos Ray, with the snow quite an artistic bonus. I don't think you can go for a few miles anywhere in New England without crossing an abandoned r.o.w. , or a road that was a former rail easement. When did the CW last see service on this line?
The construction rationale for "The Arches" is kind of a mind blowing thing to consider in total.
Thanks for posting.