Vandalia Trail "Trestle-Cam"


On a beautiful October day in 2006, the 60-foot long, 30-foot high Crittenden Creek trestle was finally opened to trail users after 2 volunteer crews installed the entire north side railing structure in just 6 hours.  Another volunteer crew had installed the south side railings the previous week and the decking during the Spring.  This provides trail users an easier and more scenic crossing of the Crittenden Creek valley.

The red glow of sunset highlights the completed product. (10/1/06)
final product

View of the south side railing from below. (9/26/06)
Trestle railing from below

Bridge as Backdrop:  Yvette Rollins presents to Greg Midgley the American Trails State Trail Worker Award as the Plainfield Christian Church hiking club looks on. (11/18/06)
State Trail Worker Award

The trail bridge spans a winter wonderland. (2/18/07)
Trestle Snowy Side View

The Conversion of a Bridge



Clearing the west end (3/18/06)
Trestle Cam

First 6 sections of decking permanently installed (4/17/06)
Trestle

Trestle team decking the west end of the bridge on a day of rapid progress. (4/29/06)
trestle

Another trestle team makes progress on the west end. (5/6/06)
trestle

John installs the last board & Greg drives the "golden spike". (5/21/06)
Installing board Driving the "golden spike"


Phase 1 complete!  Now on to the railings. (5/21/06)
fully decked


All 15 bolt-down boxes on south side are attached. (6/3/06)
trestle railing structure

John & Barbara make a final railing adjustment on the south side. (9/26/06)
final adjustments to railing


The morning crew installing bolt-down boxes on the north side. (10/1/06)
morning crew

The afternoon crew begins pounding in the north side posts while the morning crew continues with the boxes. (10/1/06)
swing shift

Afternoon session near completion. (10/1/06)
afternoon crew