The P&WV Hi-Line

ranger101 · Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2006 9: 59 am Post subject: Banning Bridge

Hello everyone,
New guy to this forum. I live about 15 minutes from the large Bridge located at Banning, Pa. I was wondering if there is any traffic that still uses the line and when? I would love to catch something on the bridge if I only knew when something may be there. I have been up to the beginning of the bridge. It is a sight to see from up there. It looks like the line is used, but not very much. When was the bridge constructed? To me, it rivals if not surpasses the B&LE bridge over the Allegheny River next to the Pennsylania Turnpike. I'm guessing that Norris Tunnel is pretty close to the bridge too. I would like to get out to the tunnel and get some shots of it too. I definitely know that I'm not walking across that bridge to do it. I do a lot of photography and railroads are the hobby part of it for me. I was railfanning CSX when I went up river a bit and boy was I surprised to see the bridge. Like I mentioned, I have searched the internet for any history of the structure, but nothing. Any answers would be greatly appreciated. Great forum everyone.
Tim
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Rangers lead the way!!

PWVJer · Joined: 13 Dec 2005 Posts: 946

The bridge was completed about 1930. This section on the P&WV was known as the C-ville Extention. Pierce MP39.8 to 0.4 Connellsville, Pa. completed in 1931. Lots of WM and P&WV over-head traffic. Eastward, AJ-4 (94), AJ-2 (90) and AJ-12 (92).
Westward, AJ-1 (85), BT-1 (99), and AJ-3 (91). Also there were many extras and locals as well.
The span is located about MP 15 and is not to far from Norris Tunnel.
During the N&W Era there was even more and much longer train moves (late 60's, 70's and earily 80's)
Today, the W&LE moves some grain trains (guessing games as to when) and a local to Everson MP 5 (SWP/WE) inter-change on an as needed basis.
Your best bet to see a move: watch for a track-car going East, "Heads -Up" on the WE BB board and the Hi-line board as well, and hope for some luck!
If you can get/find a Copy of the High & Dry book this will help answer many of your P&WV questions.

CuriousGeorge · Joined: 08 Jan 2006 Posts: 50 Location: Monongahela, PA

I work near the P&WV bridge that spans the Mon parrallel to I-70, and I've moticed most of the traffic to be in the evening, between 7-10 pm

banning mike · Guest

they still run trains over the bridge, once or twice a week. and today around 1:00 pm heading east, the large 50 car grain train is going through to Hegerstown WV.

Paul P · Guest

This one ?

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=109980[/url][/code]

PLEzero · Joined: 08 Nov 2005 Posts: 12 Location: Pennsylvania

I got a shot of the Wheeling crossing the Youghiogheny on January 20 of this year.

http://plezero.fotopic.net/p28527946.html

ranger101 · Posted: Sat Jul 15, 2006 2: 46 pm Post subject:

Paul and PLE real nice shots!!! Hopefully I can get out there and get some of my own.
Tim
_________________
Rangers lead the way!!