Pennsylvania RR, BIG VIADUCT

HISTORY: Originally, Prototype single arch, two (2) track, "BIG VIADUCT was built in 1833' at this location. The Pennsylvania Railroad replaced the original wood trestle in ongoing infrastructure upgrades keeping pace with booming freight & passenger traffic.

The single arch Big Viaduct was Massive! Built of stones averaging 25 - 30 cubic feet, it appeared it would endure forever. Unfortunately the BIG VIADUCT experienced a SHORT LIFE!  The entire bridge was swept away, a causality of the terrible Johnstown flood of 1889.  A massive wall of water and debris descended upon Johnstown, PA and other communities in the Conemaugh river valley when the reservoir burst during a torrential rain storm. Some reports indicate the Wave was over Ninety (90) feet high and was traveling in excess of fifteen (15) miles an hour.

Immediately after the disiaster a temporary wood trestle was erecthed to maintain traffic. The Big Viaduct II , was built as a two (2) arch three (3) track design, Completed and commissioned in 1891' as a permanent replacement. It stands today operating in revenue service!

Model, replicates the original viaduct design, carrying all passenger & freight trains along the famous "Broadway" mainline over the Conemaugh near Johnstown, PA.
As of 2007 this viaduct continues to be a intregal component of NS -   Norfolk Southern operations in Western PA.