On the bridge

Interurban overpass
Minolta XG-1, MD Rokkor-X 45mm f/2
Fujicolor 200
2013

Electric trains called interurbans could take you to many Indiana cities in the early 20th century. At their peak, 111 traction companies operated more then 3,000 cars along 2,100 track miles. 68 of Indiana’s 92 counties were served by at least one line.

Most Indiana interurbans had shut down by 1950 as the automobile took over. Remarkably, one interurban still serves, carrying passengers between South Bend and Chicago.

Some interurban infrastructure remains, like this bridge. You’ll find it today on the campus of Newfields, formerly known as the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Below once ran the Terre Haute, Indianapolis & Eastern Traction Company’s line from Indianapolis to Lafayette, which was abandoned in the 1930s. You can see more views of this bridge on bridgehunter.com here.

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Comments

8 responses to “single frame: Interurban overpass”

  1. J P Avatar

    The old inter urban rail lines are something I wish I knew more about. With a little time I’m sure I could fix that, but this free sample was good.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      This blog has some good info about the interurbans, when you have the time.

      https://intransporthistory.home.blog/

  2. Dan Cluley Avatar
    Dan Cluley

    Somewhere I have a book on the interurbans of Indiana. Most of my knowledge involves the South Shore, and things along the Michigan border, but I do know that Indianapolis was one of the busiest hubs in the country.

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      I have a book about the interurbans around here too. Crazy how many lines there were.

  3. marcusterrypeddle Avatar

    That’s a lovely bridge and a lovely spot. I looked up the interurban online and saw a few of the cars. Why does nothing that elegant get built these days?

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      Good question. Cost seems to rule all these days.

  4. Kurt Ingham Avatar
    Kurt Ingham

    Beauty!

    1. Jim Grey Avatar

      It is a lovely little bridge, isn’t it.

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