About Me

Hello,

My name is Charlie and most of you refer to me as the "Welch Underpass." Yea, that's right, I've been holding down the fort since 1907. Quite a few years under my belt, huh?

Now, let me tell you a little about myself. I'm not your average bridge, you see. I've got two railroad tracks running across me, and down below, there's a whole lot of traffic buzzing through. Trucks, cars, you name it, they all pass beneath me every day. Sometimes, those big trucks don't quite make it through unscathed. They crash into me from time to time, but hey, I'm tough. I can take it.

When it comes to measurements, I'm about 124 feet long and stand proud at 12 feet, 11 inches tall—well, that's my clearance, which I have tattooed on me but most people don't see it. Made of Riveted Stringer, Multi-Beam steel, I'm built to last. They say I can carry up to a whopping 120,000 pounds without breaking a sweat. Not bad for an old timer like me, right?

Now, here's the thing: I might be sturdy, but I can't take care of myself. That's where my current caretaker, the Norfolk Southern Railroad, comes in. They make sure I stay in tip-top shape, conducting inspections and repairs when needed. After all, I'm just a bridge—I need a little help now and then.

So, next time you pass through the Welch Underpass, give me a nod. I may be made of steel, but I've got a heart too. Here's to many more years of standing tall and keeping the traffic flowing. Cheers!