The Great Stone Viaduct sits on 31st Street in Belaire, Ohio just as proud and as strong as it did when it was erected over 150 years ago. Because of the majestic size and structure, this is a must see whether you are a train fanatic, an American history buff, or if you just like to visit cool places.
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Europe’s aqueducts are awe inspiring, but did you know Belmont County is home to a viaduct that is just as impressive? Used for railroad transportation, connecting West Virginia to the wild west, this was the first view of Ohio for many passengers. Completed in 1871, the viaduct is on the National Register of Historic Structures and is in the early stages of preservation. The sandstones have been cleaned and tucked with new mortar. Trees and uncontrolled brush around the sweeping turn of arches has been removed since The Great Stone Viaduct Historical Education Society purchased the viaduct in 2016.
Prior to the Great Stone Viaduct being Built
Prior to the bridge being built over the Ohio River, a movable platform and train ferry barge functioned. The train would drive onto this barge and then be escorted across the Ohio River so it could then drive off onto the track on the opposite side of the riverbed and continue its course. This barge could carry 10 cars on each trip. As you can imagine, there were many downfalls to this system: efficiency, time, and logistics. This was all taking place prior to the dam that was to be built upriver, so even a dry riverbed from drought added to the list of obstacles.
Building Commences
After much controversary, plans were made to start the construction of the River Piers beginning on May 2, 1868. Icebreakers, stairstep rocks approximately 2’ in height, create the bottom portion of the piers to take care of the large ice masses that float down from the north.
Arch features
As you look at the individual arches, there are some fascinating features to take note of on the stones. At the top of each arch, you will spot the keystone. This would have been the last, ever important stone placed in the apex to support the arch.
By counting the individual ring stones that grace the arch to the right and to the left of the keystone, you will see there are 18 on each side. A total of 37 stones, one for each state at the time, symbolizes the unified Union following the end of the Civil War.
The keystone with the 1870 inscription is located on the eastern end and northern side of the viaduct on 31st Street.
By looking closely, you will see vertical lines on some of the stones. This is where the steel rods were pounded down into the stone at the quarry to break the material into manageable pieces. You also will notice circular divots in many of the stones. These were used to give the fork something to grasp as it pulled the large stones out of the quarry, similar to an ice pick grabbing a large chunk of ice.
The Great Stone Viaduct
The sandstone arcade spans 1433’ and includes 43 arches. Construction took just over a year, starting in 1870, as shown on the keystone. A temporary railroad track was placed alongside the construction on 31st Street to be used to haul the cut stone and other needed supplies.
Traffic functions now as it did back then with motorized vehicles driving between the arches and alongside the arches as directed.
How the Arches were Built
Have you ever wondered how in the world the stone arches were even created in the first place? I know that was one of the first questions I had when I saw such a huge structure. To begin with, wooden scaffolding was built in place, arching at the top. This served as a mold for the construction crew to work on and around. This scaffolding did not come down until the end of the building process, as all the stone created tension for final support.
Inside the Great Stone Viaduct
Knowing trains with tons and tons of weight would be traveling overhead, I was curious as to what the internal structure is like. The large stones you see are about 4’ x 2’ x 2’. Inside the arches and walls, random stone chunks are used as filler. Gravel fills the inside all the way to the top where the tracks are laid.
Recent Fame and Future Use
A little ‘modern’ fun fact: This bridge was used when filming Unstoppable with Densel Washington and Chris Pine. Do you remember this scene?
Plans are underway to make a walking trail on top of the Great Stone Viaduct. A viewing deck will also be constructed. You’ll be able to watch trains merge on the working portion of the track heading to or from the river. There will also be a plaza in the grass area that surrounds the viaduct to the right and left.
When you visit the Great Stone Viaduct, you can drive along 31st Street to get up close and personal. Take that street heading west until you get to the grassy area. You can park there and get some great photos of the bend. For additional reading, you can purchase the book An American Railroad Portrait.
Stay tuned for next week’s article on what else to include in your trip to Belmont County.
