Since it hasn't been discussed on here since 2010 (from my quick search), I thought I would raise the topic of the "historic" eyesore that is the FEC bridge.
I'm fairly new to Jax so I don't know the history of administrations and if the bridge has been a part of their concerns/platforms at all but I just can't understand why the COJ and its citizens have allowed this eyesore to go so long, in such bad shape. Is it not a "big deal" to most Jacksonvillians? TO have such an iconic downtown skyline and most our other bridges are kept up pretty well and the fact that we put focus on our downtown bridges by dressing them with blue lights, why has it become okay to have the rusted monstrosity go unchallenged for so long?
Does anyone know why it has not been maintained better? It just seems very odd to me that it has been left to "rot" especially since it actually IS still in operation.
Again, being new to Jax, I (like the person in the 2010 post) thought it was an abandoned, non-operational relic that for some reason couldn't be removed. It was several months of living here (downtown) before I even realized that it is still an active bridge.
I am really interested to hear everyone's opinion of this and I expect that a couple of the "reg's" will provide some good history of how and why it came to be in such bad shape.
That "rusty thorn" you refer to is the FEC RR bridge.
It's historic. It was the very first bridge to cross the St. Johns. The original was built in 1890, and that one in 1925.
It's not up to Jacksonville, the State of Florida or the Federal Government to replace it.
It's up to the FEC (Florida East Coast RR. It's their bridge.
Granted it's rusty. It's iron, it's supposed to look that way. It's an industrial bridge, not a traffic or pedestrian.
It's not in bad shape, or the freight trains wouldn't pass over multiple times per day.
They don't make them like they used to.
I like it. It reminds me of the past (the oldest span across the river) looking to the future, the Acosta bridge (it's direct neighbor) looking to the future.
Not all history is to be erased and replaced. Jacksonville did too much of that in the 50's and 60's and muddled our downtown history.
I actually like it but I'm a guy who has an acquired taste for "urban grit". Nevertheless, I believe there are plans to revamp this bridge at some point in the future.
What they said. That bridge literally opened Florida up to the world.
Sandy, the only part replaced in 1925 was the lifting span. It was originally a swing span. The rest of the bridge is from 1890.
From 2013:
The Bridges of Downtown JacksonvilleFull article: http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2013-may-the-bridges-of-downtown-jacksonville
Quote1. Florida East Coast Strauss Trunnion Bascule Bridge
This double track railroad structure is the oldest remaining bridge crossing the mighty St. Johns. It was originally constructed by oil magnate Henry M. Flagler, to provide better access to South Florida and served as the final chapter of Jacksonville's decline as a major tourist center. This 1925 bascule bridge replaced the original swing-span bridge that opened on January 5, 1890.
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1011633439_Q5nhh4g-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1011633566_2ZHRjcK-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1011633815_t4tZBc9-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/1011633849_vrFGgdn-M.jpg)
(http://photos.metrojacksonville.com/photos/453319694_9DdJD-M.jpg)
(http://www.metrojacksonville.com/photos/thumbs/lrg-1270-p1020060.JPG)
Quote from: Sandyfeets on October 11, 2014, 09:22:04 AM
That "rusty thorn" you refer to is the FEC RR bridge.
It's historic. It was the very first bridge to cross the St. Johns. The original was built in 1890, and that one in 1925.
It's not up to Jacksonville, the State of Florida or the Federal Government to replace it.
It's up to the FEC (Florida East Coast RR. It's their bridge.
Granted it's rusty. It's iron, it's supposed to look that way. It's an industrial bridge, not a traffic or pedestrian.
It's not in bad shape, or the freight trains wouldn't pass over multiple times per day.
They don't make them like they used to.
I like it. It reminds me of the past (the oldest span across the river) looking to the future, the Acosta bridge (it's direct neighbor) looking to the future.
Not all history is to be erased and replaced. Jacksonville did too much of that in the 50's and 60's and muddled our downtown history.
I understand it is the FEC bridge. I mentioned that... I also mentioned that it is historic. And as far as it being in bad shape, it can be usable while also in "bad shape". I think most people agree that rust is equated to "metal rot" so if it continues to rust without treatment, at some point it will rot away and become unusable.
And I too, love the look of a spectacular iron bridge, with all the rivets and that industrial look but when it is neglected and is let to "rust to death", that is not a pretty sight. There are tons of historic iron bridges around the country that are old and still in operation, but are maintained to keep the rust from being the only thing you can see. I am just curious why the bridge has been let to rust so badly and not been maintained better.
And also for the record, I never suggested anything about erasing or removing the bridge, only inquiring why it has been neglected so badly.
Don't get me wrong, I too really like the bridge and it's engineering and the look of the bridge's "bones". I am solely referring to how badly rusted it has become.
Because it is cool looking and historic and has that nostalgic quality to it, the fact that it has been left to rust to death kind of says it's not important. It also kind of sends a message to the thousands of people that pass through on the interstates think that it is just an old bridge that we don't care about and are letting sit and rot.
1987
(http://www.floridamemory.com/fpc/prints/pr23760.jpg)
State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/15960
1940
(http://www.floridamemory.com/fpc/reference/rc08470.jpg)
State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/31435
Photo with no date but taken in the early 20th century
(http://www.floridamemory.com/fpc/prints/pr09195.jpg)
State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/7727
Photo taken between 1921 and 1925
(http://www.floridamemory.com/fpc/general/n028499.jpg)
State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/138178
Bridge being constructed during the 1880s
(http://www.floridamemory.com/fpc/reference/rc12284.jpg)
State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory, http://floridamemory.com/items/show/34715
Thanks for all the pics lake, I knew you would have some great stuff for this post!
Quote from: marty904 on October 11, 2014, 09:41:09 AM
Because it is cool looking and historic and has that nostalgic quality to it, the fact that it has been left to rust to death kind of says it's not important. It also kind of sends a message to the thousands of people that pass through on the interstates think that it is just an old bridge that we don't care about and are letting sit and rot.
Someone asked the FTU this question in 2010. Here was their response:
QuoteDear Call Box: Recently I was visiting a patient at Baptist Medical Center Downtown when I looked out the window and noticed an old, rusty, broken down drawbridge that is no longer in use. A large section of the bridge remains raised. It is such an eyesore. To me it represents poor city planning and poverty. If there is no historical value, why hasn't it been removed? - B.S., Orange Park
Dear B.S.: Guess you don't get to downtown Jacksonville very often or that you didn't have to cross railroad tracks to get to the hospital. That is the Florida East Coast Railway bridge that carries between 16 to 20 freight trains a day across the river. And yes, you could say it is somewhat historic. The first FEC bridge at that location opened Jan. 5, 1890, and was replaced by the present bridge in 1925, so it is the oldest bridge across the St. Johns River in downtown Jacksonville. It is operated 24 hours a day by three bridge tenders, each working 8-hour shifts. They keep it mostly in the open position to allow river traffic to pass beneath. The FEC budgets about $500,000 annually to maintain the bridge. CSX and Norfolk Southern are other railroads that use the bridge.
http://jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/402032/jessie-lynne-kerr/2010-10-21/florida-east-coast-bridge-isnt-abandoned
Btw, every time I see images of the old Acosta Bridge, I wish it would have been kept and converted into a pedestrian, bike, and transit bridge....
Can't people still walk and bike across the bridge now? I know I've seen people jogging across I think.
Yes, but they aren't idea for pedestrian and bike movement. Slopes are too steep, ped and bike directional movement are an afterthought, and there are no bike facilities that separate cyclist from limited access high speed auto traffic.
I love the bridge! I still wish we have the old Acosta!
Quote from: thelakelander on October 11, 2014, 09:52:25 AM
Btw, every time I see images of the old Acosta Bridge, I wish it would have been kept and converted into a pedestrian, bike, and transit bridge....
Hear, hear. I miss the old Acosta Bridge. It would've been wonderful to have saved it.
Quote from: thelakelander on October 11, 2014, 09:52:25 AM
Btw, every time I see images of the old Acosta Bridge, I wish it would have been kept and converted into a pedestrian, bike, and transit bridge....
No question. Not only would it be a great amenity, it looked great in conjunction with the Main St. and the other bridges.
I doubt it was possible to keep the old Acosta and build the new one correct? I'm all for preserving our history, but I dig the design of the new Acosta. It adds to the skyline.
Never thought to even question the FEC railroad. It's just, always been. Now I'm going to notice how rusty it is! Thanks :D
Quote from: David on October 11, 2014, 04:50:46 PM
I doubt it was possible to keep the old Acosta and build the new one correct? I'm all for preserving our history, but I dig the design of the new Acosta. It adds to the skyline.
Never thought to even question the FEC railroad. It's just, always been. Now I'm going to notice how rusty it is! Thanks :D
Good points. I don't know where a new one would fit in with the old one still there. When they built it, they build half the new one before tearing down the old one, to fit the space.
No new one scheduled but a major remake is in the works and coming soon.
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2945/15507162372_29fdb371ba_o.png)
I'm not sure if y'all are aware of just how iconic that bridge is, FAMOUS! A model of this bridge was issued and distributed world wide starting around 1980. My neighbor the bridge engineer for Archer-Western told me it is a required part of a study of bascule lift bridges in Argentina and the USA.
The only other significant waterway railroad bridges in our neck of the woods are:
CSX-Sanford=St. Johns River
Sunrail-Sanford=St. Johns River-swing span
CSX-Palatka=St. Johns River-swing span
CSX-Palatka=Rice Creek-swing span
CSX-Flemming Island=Black Creek
CSX-JAX=Ortega River-
CSX-JAX=Trout River-Swing Span
CSX-JAX=Broward River
CSX-JAX=Dunn Creek
CSX-JAX=St. Johns River (Blount Island)
CSX-Brooker=Santa Fe River
CSX-Half Moon Island=Nassau River
CSX-Suwanne River State Park=Suwannee River
FCRR-Amelia Island=Amelia River
NS-Fargo=Suwannee River
and...
believe it or not...
FP&LRY/St. Johns Light and Power, The Bridge of the Lions-St. Augustine=railroad bridge, track removed.
Lastly that Jacksonvillians?? The historic name for the citizens is Jaxson's, as in 'Jackson de Ville' unfortunately like the 'Cowford myth,' not even many long-time residents know it.
Here are a few more you may not have seen.
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2950/15322630990_d85fd454d7_o.png)
FEC RY DOWNTOWN
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5597/15508736732_57ca8ce819_o.png)
FEC RY DOWNTOWN
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3937/15509102095_5d38b4378b_o.png)
FEC RY DOWNTOWN
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15509253245_5bebd4827e_o.png)
FEC RY DOWNTOWN
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5613/15508699482_66ef57005d_o.png)
FEC RY DOWNTOWN
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3936/15506259121_f82e4fe70e_o.png)
FEC RY DOWNTOWN
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3948/15508969282_5c7a4a6288_o.png)
CSX TROUT RIVER
(https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3956/15509401232_c91d78f525_o.png)
SOUTHERN RAILWAY (NS) SUWANNEE RIVER
(https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5607/15509475735_d686e40c00_o.png)
JACKSONVILLE TRACTION COMPANY, ORTEGA
Quote from: Charles Hunter on October 11, 2014, 05:09:12 PM
Quote from: David on October 11, 2014, 04:50:46 PM
I doubt it was possible to keep the old Acosta and build the new one correct? I'm all for preserving our history, but I dig the design of the new Acosta. It adds to the skyline.
Never thought to even question the FEC railroad. It's just, always been. Now I'm going to notice how rusty it is! Thanks :D
Good points. I don't know where a new one would fit in with the old one still there. When they built it, they build half the new one before tearing down the old one, to fit the space.
Yes and the COJ/FDOT promised us that they would preserve the center span and towers as a monument in some nearby park... Like everything else historic in this city... Now you see it-now you don't.
Interesting in that many equate the bridge as part of a "closed" railway.
Old Acosta....built on the cheap, with low grade iron and very low weight ratings. In this case it was a "weeble that wobbled, but didn't fall down" until torn down.
Keep the faith Ock, I betcha there is a COJ warehouse around Duval somewhere where they have saved "everything". City of Chicago once started "cleaning house" in the middle 1990's and found warehouses of statues, art works, terra cottas given to the city as far back as the Columbian Exposition. (1892) Everyone had thought them lost forever. And yes, they were all arts that the city had promised to put back up after they were taken down. In some case it just took almost a hundred years!
New Acosta....is a great looking bridge, but pedestrian friendly it is not due to trying to make a waterway minimum clearance and shorten the approaches at the same time. Makes for a steep arc. But, it was the first thing I saw of downtown at night when I first laid eyes on the city, It's a great looking lady!
If the city of Chicago could put colored lights on their bascule trunnion bridges and call it art, I am sure we could too.
In this case, for breast cancer awareness.
(http://www.dearproductions.com/assets/projects/chicago_bridges/chicago_bridges_5_large.jpg)
Quote from: spuwho on October 11, 2014, 10:52:27 PM
New Acosta....is a great looking bridge, but pedestrian friendly it is not due to trying to make a waterway minimum clearance and shorten the approaches at the same time.
Boy, that's really nit-picky... I don't think that sidewalk grade is all that steep, and it's not anything unusual from many other bridges.
You must have never used it. Try walking from MOSH to the new Fresh Market in Brooklyn and tell me the easiest way to get there. Better yet, try riding with a 10-year old and let me know how safe and accommodating it is trying to play frogger across expressway lanes. Without a doubt, bike/ped was an afterthought in the design of that structure. Facilities like it are one of the main reasons Florida's cities are the most dangerous in the country for cyclist and pedestrians.
Nice pics, Ock. Especially the NS F3 A-B-B-A units. I didn't realize NS had a set of them still around.
I realize the old Acosta likely couldn't be saved as-in the Bridge of the Lions. But its a damn shame the city went back on their promise and my understanding dumped it in the ocean. The towers and center span on a trail through say the Springfield Parks, Arboretum etc... would have been a nice attraction and photographic wonder. Don't believe it? You ought to see the visitors to the antique swing span that was preserved as a fishing pier on US-17 between Debary and Sanford.
I've got no problems with the new bridge, the neon is a cool touch and has become iconic.
Trying not to get too far off topic here....BUT... this thread triggered off a lot of memories of the old Acosta Bridge. My mom told me a story one time of how she was driving to work at Riverside Hospital and somehow got stuck on the center span after the gates had closed and it started to rise. The bridge operator quickly lowered the span so she could drive off. It must've been quite a terrifying experience for her.
And if any of you miss the old Acosta Bridge you can pay it a visit offshore where it lives on as an artificial reef:
http://www.jaxrrt.org/reef-map/acosta
Dont know if its the case with this bridge but there is a form of sacrificial protection where rust is allowed to occur, thus protecting the underlying metal. Think galvanization but with rust.
I believe those types of anodes won't do anything for the parts of the structure not buried or underwater.
^Not to get off subject, but FPL has a 500kV transmission line running down the state where some structures are protect above ground in this fashon. The rusted superstructure is not buried or underwater.
Railroads do not typically paint their bridges. It is expensive and unnecessary.
While we're on it, anyone know what the current rules are for opening closing? I thought it was kept open except when in use by a train. However, over the weekend, it was running on a schedule. Maintenance going on, different on weekends, or have they changed policy? Having to wait several hours to navigate the river is pretty limiting.
Quote from: camarocane on October 13, 2014, 07:42:25 AM
Dont know if its the case with this bridge but there is a form of sacrificial protection where rust is allowed to occur, thus protecting the underlying metal. Think galvanization but with rust.
I haven't researched what you're stating but I find it quite interesting that in this day and age of mind-blowing technology and chemicals, that we would be using rust as a protectant. To my knowledge, rust doesn't stop at top layers of metal, it continues to eat away. The process might slow once it devours the top layers but it does continue to rot metal.
I know this is a little off topic from the main discussion, but fits into the subject narrative of "Iconic Skyline". But does anyone else find it just a bit odd that Jacksonville's tallest building is also the darkest building at night? You can barely see it. Wouldn't it be a bit refreshing to have it lit up just a tad in order to give us an actual night "skyline"?
Quote from: marty904 on October 14, 2014, 07:26:55 AM
Quote from: camarocane on October 13, 2014, 07:42:25 AM
Dont know if its the case with this bridge but there is a form of sacrificial protection where rust is allowed to occur, thus protecting the underlying metal. Think galvanization but with rust.
I haven't researched what you're stating but I find it quite interesting that in this day and age of mind-blowing technology and chemicals, that we would be using rust as a protectant. To my knowledge, rust doesn't stop at top layers of metal, it continues to eat away. The process might slow once it devours the top layers but it does continue to rot metal.
This is true, except where the bridges are highly public. There is no rule on bridge painting that I am aware of and many railroads that overpass highways keep their bridges painted along with a logo. It is against the law to paint car trucks or couplers for this same reason, rust protects them.
Continued rust on metal that is 4 inches thick is going to take a few hundred years to bring it to a weak point.
So railroad companies are allowed to create rusty eye sores in any city they go and none can have a say? Id rather have it coated with something thats more eye pleasing and perserving..anyone that believes rush protect..i have a bridge to sell you.
Quote from: Rob68 on October 14, 2014, 10:03:33 AM
So railroad companies are allowed to create rusty eye sores in any city they go and none can have a say? Id rather have it coated with something thats more eye pleasing and perserving..anyone that believes rush protect..i have a bridge to sell you.
Have you actually been up to the bridge to look at it? It's really not all that rusty, it's not like the thing is flaking apart. It would also be subject to periodic inspection by the FRA which would (should) flag it as unsafe.
To each his own, I personally like the thing.
Why should the railroad take advice from casual observers that don't even know the bridge is in use? Just because you don't understand something doesn't mean you get to have say about it.
Yea the only thing wrong with the title of the thread is "iconic skyline". Pretty sure Jax has a few centuries to go of consistently adding buildings before it can be iconic, lol. But rusty thorn the bridge is not.
Jax is not Asia or the Middle East, or Miami/Toronto/Vancouver. It's a small, often struggling city in the Bible Belt of the United States. I believe in its skyline potential, but we're talking big skyline the day cars are floating through the air, at best. ;)
::)
Quote from: acme54321 on October 14, 2014, 10:18:29 AM
Quote from: Rob68 on October 14, 2014, 10:03:33 AM
So railroad companies are allowed to create rusty eye sores in any city they go and none can have a say? Id rather have it coated with something thats more eye pleasing and perserving..anyone that believes rush protect..i have a bridge to sell you.
Have you actually been up to the bridge to look at it? It's really not all that rusty, it's not like the thing is flaking apart. It would also be subject to periodic inspection by the FRA which would (should) flag it as unsafe.
To each his own, I personally like the thing.
i was there yesterday...it needs help..not that i dont like it but if they dont maintain it..itll end up being a bill handed to we the citizens.
Quote from: Rob68 on October 14, 2014, 12:47:30 PM
Quote from: acme54321 on October 14, 2014, 10:18:29 AM
Quote from: Rob68 on October 14, 2014, 10:03:33 AM
So railroad companies are allowed to create rusty eye sores in any city they go and none can have a say? Id rather have it coated with something thats more eye pleasing and perserving..anyone that believes rush protect..i have a bridge to sell you.
Have you actually been up to the bridge to look at it? It's really not all that rusty, it's not like the thing is flaking apart. It would also be subject to periodic inspection by the FRA which would (should) flag it as unsafe.
To each his own, I personally like the thing.
i was there yesterday...it needs help..not that i dont like it but if they dont maintain it..itll end up being a bill handed to we the citizens.
How so? It's privately owned and maintained by the FEC.
I'm thinking the company that depends upon it for revenue would make sure it stays in operational condition!!!
Also, why do you come to Jax in 2010 and declare something that's been here in its current state since 1925 an eyesore. If you don't like it, you can go somewhere else!
You're like the people who move near an existing airport and the want to close it down because of the noise. You're as bad as the Not All Aboard Florida people who complain trains shouldn't be in the neighborhoods that wouldn't exist if it wasn't for the trains!
I'm all for holding out architecture to a higher standard, but I don't really understand this complaint.
Quote from: marty904 on October 14, 2014, 07:26:55 AM
Quote from: camarocane on October 13, 2014, 07:42:25 AM
Dont know if its the case with this bridge but there is a form of sacrificial protection where rust is allowed to occur, thus protecting the underlying metal. Think galvanization but with rust.
I haven't researched what you're stating but I find it quite interesting that in this day and age of mind-blowing technology and chemicals, that we would be using rust as a protectant. To my knowledge, rust doesn't stop at top layers of metal, it continues to eat away. The process might slow once it devours the top layers but it does continue to rot metal.
For those who are curious...
http://www.steelconstruction.info/Weathering_steel
That damned bridge has been broken twice in the last year, while they "fabricate" parts for it since there are no spares. anywhere.
FECRR - Get off your wallets and either fix it or replace it.
Most bridges are pretty much custom. Few standard or in stock parts.
Quote from: JimInJax on October 15, 2014, 02:02:41 PM
That damned bridge has been broken twice in the last year, while they "fabricate" parts for it since there are no spares. anywhere.
FECRR - Get off your wallets and either fix it or replace it.
They are fixing it, that's what they are fabricating the parts for ;D
Quote from: marty904 on October 14, 2014, 07:26:55 AM
I haven't researched what you're stating but I find it quite interesting that in this day and age of mind-blowing technology and chemicals, that we would be using rust as a protectant. To my knowledge, rust doesn't stop at top layers of metal, it continues to eat away. The process might slow once it devours the top layers but it does continue to rot metal.
Quote from: Rob68 on October 14, 2014, 10:03:33 AM
So railroad companies are allowed to create rusty eye sores in any city they go and none can have a say? Id rather have it coated with something thats more eye pleasing and perserving..anyone that believes rush protect..i have a bridge to sell you.
Quote from: Rob68 on October 14, 2014, 12:47:30 PM
i was there yesterday...it needs help..not that i dont like it but if they dont maintain it..itll end up being a bill handed to we the citizens.
It is fun to see people that have no idea what they're talking about make assertions with such confidence.
"Hi, I don't know anything about chemistry, or engineering, or history, but here's what I think the railroads should be doing!"
Quote from: camarocane on October 14, 2014, 08:04:10 PM
Quote from: marty904 on October 14, 2014, 07:26:55 AM
Quote from: camarocane on October 13, 2014, 07:42:25 AM
Dont know if its the case with this bridge but there is a form of sacrificial protection where rust is allowed to occur, thus protecting the underlying metal. Think galvanization but with rust.
I haven't researched what you're stating but I find it quite interesting that in this day and age of mind-blowing technology and chemicals, that we would be using rust as a protectant. To my knowledge, rust doesn't stop at top layers of metal, it continues to eat away. The process might slow once it devours the top layers but it does continue to rot metal.
For those who are curious...
http://www.steelconstruction.info/Weathering_steel
From that article:
"The attractive appearance of weathering steel bridges often blends pleasingly with the environment, and improves with age."
I don't think that is the case here. I think it is simply a rusted steel bridge that a handful of locals happen to like the look of, while it continues to be a "rusty thorn in our skyline" that millions of people pass on the interstate, and probably think the same as many residents... "old abandoned ugly train bridge that Jacksonville doesn't care enought about to improve it".
Quote from: PeeJayEss on October 22, 2014, 02:18:13 PM
It is fun to see people that have no idea what they're talking about make assertions with such confidence.
"Hi, I don't know anything about chemistry, or engineering, or history, but here's what I think the railroads should be doing!"
I'm sure that in your 802 posts, everything you had to say was "expert knowledge" of all 802 subjects but sorry to say, if you applied your comment to the whole forum, it would be trimmed by 93%. As a resident of downtown, that sees this rusted/unsightly bridge everyday, I am using this board (for what it is), to launch a dialogue about that OPINION.
News flash: message board/forums like this are all about its member's opinions. There is about 7% that is factual and "expert" contribution. So, I think it is "fun" to see comments like yours on here as well. :)
What color would you prefer the bridge to be?
Black.... the color of the paint that's 70% flaked off
Its probably time to paint the Main St. bridge blue again...
I remember when I made a thread a long time ago on the defunct metjax website called "Will the Railroad Bridge ever be Painted?" then Lunican basically told me this...
Quote from: Lunican on October 13, 2014, 12:30:18 PM
Railroads do not typically paint their bridges. It is expensive and unnecessary.
...and I was like fair enough, as I was satisfied with that response. :)
Maybe FEC 'Champion' red, yellow and silver?? Humm how to pull that off?
^^^I agree. :)
(http://i.imgur.com/81fTmEk.jpg)
^^^That looks awesome! :)
Quote from: David on October 24, 2014, 03:22:59 PM
Quote from: Lunican on October 24, 2014, 08:58:40 AM
What color would you prefer the bridge to be?
TEAL!
Oh lord. Can we please not turn the entire city into free marketing for the NFL?
I'd rather it stay rusty and black than teal. It's one of the few things left that looks like it dates back to 19th century Jax. I think the black color is a good change from the Mathews, Hart, and Main Street bridge colors.
I never even suggested paint at all... Just treat the rust!
I used to be in the coatings business and have professional knowledge that there are tons of products that, once the rust is removed by sandblasting, it can be coated/treated to retain the raw metal appearance but inhibit the rust from returning (at least for a period of time). This should be accepted as "routine" maintenance by the company that intends on operating a steel bridge of this type. I think it is should be acceptable that every 10-15 years a bridge like this gets sandblasted and re-coated.
How much would that cost?