Rainbow Viaduct: Difference between revisions
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[[ | [[File:Rainbow Viaduct postcard.jpg|right|thumb|525px|Postcard view of Rainbow Viaduct]] | ||
The '''Rainbow Viaduct''' (also known as the '''21st Street Viaduct''') is the vehicular overpass connecting downtown [[Birmingham]] with [[Southside]] along [[Richard Arrington | The '''Rainbow Viaduct''' (also known as the '''21st Street Viaduct''') is the vehicular overpass connecting downtown [[Birmingham]] with [[Southside]] along [[Richard Arrington Jr Boulevard]], formerly 21st Street. The bridge carries three lanes of traffic in a one-way direction from south to north over the railroad reservation, [[Morris Avenue]] and [[1st Avenue South]]. | ||
[[Parking meters|Meter parking]] and pedestrian sidewalks are available along the entire length of the bridge on both the east and west sides. The northern end [[1st Avenue North]] is flanked by the [[ | [[Parking meters|Meter parking]] and pedestrian sidewalks are available along the entire length of the bridge on both the east and west sides. The northern end [[1st Avenue North]] is flanked by the [[Protective Life building]] to the west and the [[Steiner Building]] to the east. | ||
==First viaduct== | |||
{{BN}} publisher [[Rufus Rhodes]] was a leading advocate for construction of a new viaduct, for the "protection of the women and children of Birmingham who have to cross the railroads traversing the center of the city." Mayor [[B. A. Thompson]] appointed a committee to advance the development of a bridge, which would be 1000 feet long and 40 feet wide. It had three main spans of 70, 79 and 97 feet, and reached an elevation of 30 feet above track level. The bridge's piers required 4,000 cubic yards of masonry, and its superstructure used 700,000 pounds of iron. | |||
[[ | That original viaduct was dedicated on [[July 4]], [[1891]]. Mayor [[A. O. Lane]] presided at the ceremony, accompanied by [[Gramb's Brass Band]]. [[Daisy Rowley]] read a poem composed for the occasion by [[Margaret O'Brien]]. [[Virginia Walker]] christened the structure with a bottle of champagne. | ||
==Present viaduct== | |||
In the 1910s [[Birmingham City Commission]] President [[George Ward]] led negotiations for a modern replacement of the 1891 viaduct, which would accommodate increased traffic. The $160,000 cost would be split evenly with the [[City of Birmingham]], the [[Louisville & Nashville Railroad]], [[Alabama Great Southern Railroad]], [[Seaboard Air Line Railroad]], and [[Southern Railway]] each contributing 20 percent. Those efforts were delayed by [[World War I]], but construction began on the bridge in [[1918]] and ended up costing $200,000. | |||
==Text of | The 1,063 foot-long bridge was 70 feet wide across the center, bulging to 80 feet wide at each end. It was formally dedicated on [[May 19]]<!--or 10-->, [[1919]], and was dedicated to the decorated veterans of the [[167th Infantry Regiment]] who had been hosted in Birmingham and fought as part of the "Rainbow Division" during [[World War I]]. At the apex of the bridge a pair of small memorials, topped with eagles, carry plaques honoring those veterans. Colonel [[W. P. Screws]] formally accepted the dedication. | ||
Lighting was installed on the viaduct in [[1945]] under the city's contract with the [[Birmingham Electric Company]]. In [[1965]] three spans were damaged by a fire on [[Morris Avenue]]. Temporary bracing was installed to permit pedestrians and passenger cars to use the viaduct until permanent repairs could be made. | |||
The original concrete eagles deteriorated and were replaced in May [[2012]] with iron replicas, cast by [[Lee McKee]] at [[Sloss Metal Arts]]. Funding for the new statuary and for the restoration of the plaques was secured through the efforts of [[Susan Todt]] and [[I Believe in Birmingham]], with the help of U.S. Representative [[Spencer Bachus]]. A [[Memorial Day]] re-dedication ceremony was attended by Bachus, Governor [[Robert Bentley]], Adjutant General [[Perry Smith]]. and Mayor [[William Bell]], along with members of the current [[167th Theater Sustainment Command]] as they prepared for re-deployment to Afghanistan in support of [[Operation Enduring Freedom]]. | |||
==Proposed replacement== | |||
As the bridge surpassed 100 years in service, it was included in listings of "structurally deficient" bridges in need of replacement. A weight limit of 3 tons was established for safety. | |||
In October [[2016]] the [[Alabama Department of Transportation]] (ALDOT) held a public hearing on a proposed replacement of the viaduct, a project which would be headed by the [[Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits]]. City engineer [[Fred Hawkins]] told the ''[[Birmingham Business Journal]]'' that the design work was being carried out by an independent engineering firm, and that they would "try and restore the historic features" as part of their work. As presented, though, the proposal would include barriers on the sides of the bridge above the railroad tracks. | |||
In early December 2016 Mayor Bell's office announced that it had reached an agreement with ALDOT to restore the existing bridge rather than replace it. | |||
The replacement proposal returned in April [[2018]]. Conceptual designs by [[Neel-Schaffer]] engineers and [[ArchitectureWorks]] were presented at a public meeting on [[July 19]]. The presentation included a bike lane, a wider pedestrian sidewalk on the east side of the span, a landscaped park to incorporate the memorials, and a new stairway access to Morris Avenue. | |||
In [[2019]], with heavy vehicles continuing to use the bridge despite the posted weight limit, the City of Birmingham added additional warning signs while also communicating with organizations employing heavy vehicles and increasing police patrols. On Friday [[January 21]], [[2022]] the city closed the bridge to cars and trucks altogether. Pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter users were allowed to continue using the bridge. A new design for a replacement had been commissioned by the city, which is also seeking sources of funding. | |||
In [[2023]] [[REV Birmingham]] made plans to beautify the bridge to make it more welcoming to pedestrians and cyclists. The organization partnered with the city to solicit engineering and feasibility studies for long-term re-use. | |||
==Text of markers== | |||
<blockquote>THE RAINBOW VIADUCT<br> | <blockquote>THE RAINBOW VIADUCT<br> | ||
Dedicated to the brave men of the 167th Infantry who fought to protect our freedom | |||
On May 19, 1919, soon after its completion, this 21st Street Viaduct was named the Rainbow Viaduct in tribute to Alabama’s famous 167th Infantry of the Rainbow Division. Renowned for bravery and honor, the 167th was the nation’s only regiment in World War I referred to by its home state – “The Alabama.” Made up of men from throughout Alabama, including a large number from Birmingham, this regiment had to its credit the following brave deeds, among countless others: | On May 19, 1919, soon after its completion, this 21st Street Viaduct was named the Rainbow Viaduct in tribute to Alabama’s famous 167th Infantry of the Rainbow Division. Renowned for bravery and honor, the 167th was the nation’s only regiment in World War I referred to by its home state – “The Alabama.” Made up of men from throughout Alabama, including a large number from Birmingham, this regiment had to its credit the following brave deeds, among countless others: | ||
* Advanced furthest its German lines – to Sedan | * Advanced furthest its German lines – to Sedan | ||
* Took the first German prisoners captured by Americans | * Took the first German prisoners captured by Americans | ||
| Line 23: | Line 41: | ||
* Fought in trenches two days longer than any other American regiment | * Fought in trenches two days longer than any other American regiment | ||
The only Southern regiment in the first army at occupation on Rhine, the 167th fought in the battles of Luneville, Baccarat, Esperance-Souain, Champagne-Marne, Red Cross Farm following Chateau-Thierry, Alsne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Essey-Paunes, Meuse-Argonne, Sedan.</blockquote> | The only Southern regiment in the first army at occupation on Rhine, the 167th fought in the battles of Luneville, Baccarat, Esperance-Souain, Champagne-Marne, Red Cross Farm following Chateau-Thierry, Alsne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Essey-Paunes, Meuse-Argonne, Sedan.<br> | ||
ROLL OF HONOR<br> | |||
The Rainbow Viaduct is dedicated to the memory of the Jefferson County members of the 167th Infantry, Rainbow Division, of whom the following were killed in action or died of wounds in the World War 1914 - 1918: | |||
[[Joe Atwood]], [[Andrew Bailey]], [[Sam Barr]], [[Louis Burger|Louis A. Burger]], [[Usury Burnett]], [[Carl Canoles]], [[William Churchwell|Wm. Churchwell]], [[Jason Cornett|Jas. W. Cornett]], [[Harry Couch|Harry P. Couch]], [[Wilbur Crowder|Wilbur T. Crowder]], [[Carl Evatt]], [[Jason Farley|Jas. C. Farley]], [[Attle Frederick|Attle A. Frederick]], [[Walter Hammett]], [[Braxton Harville]], [[Elmus Hayes]], [[Emile Henckell]], [[Mortimer Jordan (WWI)|Mortimer H. Jordan]], [[Bishop Lee|Bishop M. Lee]], [[Worth Lewis]], [[Charles Sherr|Chas. Sherr]], [[John Skinner|John H. Skinner]], [[Bernie Loveman|Bernie B. Loveman]], [[Walter L. Moore]], [[Judge Morgan|Judge E. Morgan]], [[Robert Morton|Robert L. Morton]], [[Wilfred Niles]], [[Harry Parkman]], [[Fred Rogers]], [[Newton Roy|Newton M. Roy]], [[Austin Ruff]], [[Benjamin Rutstein|Benj. Rutstein]], [[Royal Seay]], [[Theodore Sims|Theo. E. Sims]], [[Handos Sinnott]], [[Bernice Speaks]], [[Clarence Swindle]], [[Herman Syphurs|Herman G. Syphurs]], [[Stanley Warble]], [[Will Wheeler|Will F. Wheeler]], [[D. F. Wilson]], [[Oscar Woods]], [[Bruce Nolan]], [[John O'Neal|John D. O'Neal]].</blockquote> | |||
==Gallery== | |||
<gallery> | |||
Image:1920 Rainbow parade.jpg|A 1920 parade over the year-old viaduct honors veterans of the 167th Infantry | |||
File:View from 21st St Viaduct N.jpg|1930 view from the viaduct, looking north | |||
Image:Bentley at Rainbow Viaduct.jpg|Gov. Robert Bentley after the unveiling of the new eagle statues on Memorial Day, 2012 | |||
</gallery> | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
* Cruikshank, George M. (1920). '' | * Cruikshank, George M. (1920). ''[http://bplonline.cdmhost.com/cdm4/document.php?CISOROOT=/p4017coll8&CISOPTR=1320&REC=4 A History of Birmingham and Its Environs, Volume I]''. Lewis Publishing Company - accessed August 23, 2007 via {{BPLDC}} | ||
* "[https://www.newspapers.com/clip/119755742/birminghams-first-viaduct-erected-65/ Birmingham's first 'viaduct' erected 65 years ago]" (August 31, 1950) {{BN}}, p. 20 | |||
* Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce (1976) ''Century Plus: A Bicentennial Portrait of Birmingham, Alabama 1976'' Birmingham: Oxmoor Press, p. 19. | * Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce (1976) ''Century Plus: A Bicentennial Portrait of Birmingham, Alabama 1976'' Birmingham: Oxmoor Press, p. 19. | ||
* Tomberlin, Michael (May 27, 2012) "Birmingham viaduct paved with memorable history." editorial {{BN}} | * Tomberlin, Michael (May 27, 2012) "Birmingham viaduct paved with memorable history." editorial {{BN}} | ||
* Daniels, Malcomb (May 28, 2012) "Alabama Governor Robert Bentley helps dedicate memorial for Alabama National Guard battalion." {{BN}} | * Daniels, Malcomb (May 28, 2012) "Alabama Governor Robert Bentley helps dedicate memorial for Alabama National Guard battalion." {{BN}} | ||
* Kelly, Mark (November 29, 2016) "ALDOT plan for “Rainbow Viaduct” takes public by surprise." {{Weld}} | |||
* Rebman, Stephanie (December 2, 2016) "Major downtown bridge slated for replacement." {{BBJ}} | |||
* Kelly, Mark (December 7, 2016) "21st Street “Rainbow Viaduct” saved" {{Weld}} | |||
* Edgemon, Erin (April 20, 2018) "Historic downtown Birmingham bridge to be replaced." {{BN}} | |||
* Edgemon, Erin (July 19, 2018) "[https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2018/07/bike_lanes_park_setting_propos.html Bike lane, park proposed for historic Birmingham bridge]" {{BN}} | |||
* "Downtown bridge to restrict vehicle traffic beginning Friday." (January 20, 2022) birminghamal.gov press release | |||
* Koplowitz, Howard (January 20, 2022) "[https://www.al.com/news/birmingham/2022/01/city-to-close-rainbow-bridge-to-vehicles-starting-friday-morning-citing-deteriorated-state.html Birmingham closing historic Rainbow Bridge due to ‘deteriorated’ state]" {{BN}} | |||
* Long, Sadie Sue (October 25, 2023) "Historic Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard Bridge is getting a makeover." {{BNow}} | |||
* Durán-Whyte, Natalia (November 10, 2023) "About the Rainbow Bridge: History and what’s happening now." DowntownBHM.com | |||
==External link== | ==External link== | ||
| Line 35: | Line 74: | ||
[[Category:Bridges]] | [[Category:Bridges]] | ||
[[Category:Pedestrian bridges]] | |||
[[Category:1919 buildings]] | [[Category:1919 buildings]] | ||
[[Category:21st Street North]] | [[Category:21st Street North]] | ||
| Line 40: | Line 80: | ||
[[Category:Sculpture]] | [[Category:Sculpture]] | ||
[[Category:2012 works]] | [[Category:2012 works]] | ||
[[Category:Threatened structures]] | |||
Latest revision as of 12:21, 7 December 2023
The Rainbow Viaduct (also known as the 21st Street Viaduct) is the vehicular overpass connecting downtown Birmingham with Southside along Richard Arrington Jr Boulevard, formerly 21st Street. The bridge carries three lanes of traffic in a one-way direction from south to north over the railroad reservation, Morris Avenue and 1st Avenue South.
Meter parking and pedestrian sidewalks are available along the entire length of the bridge on both the east and west sides. The northern end 1st Avenue North is flanked by the Protective Life building to the west and the Steiner Building to the east.
First viaduct
The Birmingham News publisher Rufus Rhodes was a leading advocate for construction of a new viaduct, for the "protection of the women and children of Birmingham who have to cross the railroads traversing the center of the city." Mayor B. A. Thompson appointed a committee to advance the development of a bridge, which would be 1000 feet long and 40 feet wide. It had three main spans of 70, 79 and 97 feet, and reached an elevation of 30 feet above track level. The bridge's piers required 4,000 cubic yards of masonry, and its superstructure used 700,000 pounds of iron.
That original viaduct was dedicated on July 4, 1891. Mayor A. O. Lane presided at the ceremony, accompanied by Gramb's Brass Band. Daisy Rowley read a poem composed for the occasion by Margaret O'Brien. Virginia Walker christened the structure with a bottle of champagne.
Present viaduct
In the 1910s Birmingham City Commission President George Ward led negotiations for a modern replacement of the 1891 viaduct, which would accommodate increased traffic. The $160,000 cost would be split evenly with the City of Birmingham, the Louisville & Nashville Railroad, Alabama Great Southern Railroad, Seaboard Air Line Railroad, and Southern Railway each contributing 20 percent. Those efforts were delayed by World War I, but construction began on the bridge in 1918 and ended up costing $200,000.
The 1,063 foot-long bridge was 70 feet wide across the center, bulging to 80 feet wide at each end. It was formally dedicated on May 19, 1919, and was dedicated to the decorated veterans of the 167th Infantry Regiment who had been hosted in Birmingham and fought as part of the "Rainbow Division" during World War I. At the apex of the bridge a pair of small memorials, topped with eagles, carry plaques honoring those veterans. Colonel W. P. Screws formally accepted the dedication.
Lighting was installed on the viaduct in 1945 under the city's contract with the Birmingham Electric Company. In 1965 three spans were damaged by a fire on Morris Avenue. Temporary bracing was installed to permit pedestrians and passenger cars to use the viaduct until permanent repairs could be made.
The original concrete eagles deteriorated and were replaced in May 2012 with iron replicas, cast by Lee McKee at Sloss Metal Arts. Funding for the new statuary and for the restoration of the plaques was secured through the efforts of Susan Todt and I Believe in Birmingham, with the help of U.S. Representative Spencer Bachus. A Memorial Day re-dedication ceremony was attended by Bachus, Governor Robert Bentley, Adjutant General Perry Smith. and Mayor William Bell, along with members of the current 167th Theater Sustainment Command as they prepared for re-deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Proposed replacement
As the bridge surpassed 100 years in service, it was included in listings of "structurally deficient" bridges in need of replacement. A weight limit of 3 tons was established for safety.
In October 2016 the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) held a public hearing on a proposed replacement of the viaduct, a project which would be headed by the Birmingham Department of Planning, Engineering & Permits. City engineer Fred Hawkins told the Birmingham Business Journal that the design work was being carried out by an independent engineering firm, and that they would "try and restore the historic features" as part of their work. As presented, though, the proposal would include barriers on the sides of the bridge above the railroad tracks.
In early December 2016 Mayor Bell's office announced that it had reached an agreement with ALDOT to restore the existing bridge rather than replace it.
The replacement proposal returned in April 2018. Conceptual designs by Neel-Schaffer engineers and ArchitectureWorks were presented at a public meeting on July 19. The presentation included a bike lane, a wider pedestrian sidewalk on the east side of the span, a landscaped park to incorporate the memorials, and a new stairway access to Morris Avenue.
In 2019, with heavy vehicles continuing to use the bridge despite the posted weight limit, the City of Birmingham added additional warning signs while also communicating with organizations employing heavy vehicles and increasing police patrols. On Friday January 21, 2022 the city closed the bridge to cars and trucks altogether. Pedestrians, cyclists, and scooter users were allowed to continue using the bridge. A new design for a replacement had been commissioned by the city, which is also seeking sources of funding.
In 2023 REV Birmingham made plans to beautify the bridge to make it more welcoming to pedestrians and cyclists. The organization partnered with the city to solicit engineering and feasibility studies for long-term re-use.
Text of markers
THE RAINBOW VIADUCT
Dedicated to the brave men of the 167th Infantry who fought to protect our freedom
On May 19, 1919, soon after its completion, this 21st Street Viaduct was named the Rainbow Viaduct in tribute to Alabama’s famous 167th Infantry of the Rainbow Division. Renowned for bravery and honor, the 167th was the nation’s only regiment in World War I referred to by its home state – “The Alabama.” Made up of men from throughout Alabama, including a large number from Birmingham, this regiment had to its credit the following brave deeds, among countless others:
- Advanced furthest its German lines – to Sedan
- Took the first German prisoners captured by Americans
- Only Rainbow Regiment to achieve two Honor Medals
- Fought in trenches two days longer than any other American regiment
The only Southern regiment in the first army at occupation on Rhine, the 167th fought in the battles of Luneville, Baccarat, Esperance-Souain, Champagne-Marne, Red Cross Farm following Chateau-Thierry, Alsne-Marne, St. Mihiel, Essey-Paunes, Meuse-Argonne, Sedan.
ROLL OF HONOR
The Rainbow Viaduct is dedicated to the memory of the Jefferson County members of the 167th Infantry, Rainbow Division, of whom the following were killed in action or died of wounds in the World War 1914 - 1918:Joe Atwood, Andrew Bailey, Sam Barr, Louis A. Burger, Usury Burnett, Carl Canoles, Wm. Churchwell, Jas. W. Cornett, Harry P. Couch, Wilbur T. Crowder, Carl Evatt, Jas. C. Farley, Attle A. Frederick, Walter Hammett, Braxton Harville, Elmus Hayes, Emile Henckell, Mortimer H. Jordan, Bishop M. Lee, Worth Lewis, Chas. Sherr, John H. Skinner, Bernie B. Loveman, Walter L. Moore, Judge E. Morgan, Robert L. Morton, Wilfred Niles, Harry Parkman, Fred Rogers, Newton M. Roy, Austin Ruff, Benj. Rutstein, Royal Seay, Theo. E. Sims, Handos Sinnott, Bernice Speaks, Clarence Swindle, Herman G. Syphurs, Stanley Warble, Will F. Wheeler, D. F. Wilson, Oscar Woods, Bruce Nolan, John D. O'Neal.
Gallery
A 1920 parade over the year-old viaduct honors veterans of the 167th Infantry
1930 view from the viaduct, looking north
Gov. Robert Bentley after the unveiling of the new eagle statues on Memorial Day, 2012
References
- Cruikshank, George M. (1920). A History of Birmingham and Its Environs, Volume I. Lewis Publishing Company - accessed August 23, 2007 via Birmingham Public Library Digital Collections
- "Birmingham's first 'viaduct' erected 65 years ago" (August 31, 1950) The Birmingham News, p. 20
- Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce (1976) Century Plus: A Bicentennial Portrait of Birmingham, Alabama 1976 Birmingham: Oxmoor Press, p. 19.
- Tomberlin, Michael (May 27, 2012) "Birmingham viaduct paved with memorable history." editorial The Birmingham News
- Daniels, Malcomb (May 28, 2012) "Alabama Governor Robert Bentley helps dedicate memorial for Alabama National Guard battalion." The Birmingham News
- Kelly, Mark (November 29, 2016) "ALDOT plan for “Rainbow Viaduct” takes public by surprise." Weld for Birmingham
- Rebman, Stephanie (December 2, 2016) "Major downtown bridge slated for replacement." Birmingham Business Journal
- Kelly, Mark (December 7, 2016) "21st Street “Rainbow Viaduct” saved" Weld for Birmingham
- Edgemon, Erin (April 20, 2018) "Historic downtown Birmingham bridge to be replaced." The Birmingham News
- Edgemon, Erin (July 19, 2018) "Bike lane, park proposed for historic Birmingham bridge" The Birmingham News
- "Downtown bridge to restrict vehicle traffic beginning Friday." (January 20, 2022) birminghamal.gov press release
- Koplowitz, Howard (January 20, 2022) "Birmingham closing historic Rainbow Bridge due to ‘deteriorated’ state" The Birmingham News
- Long, Sadie Sue (October 25, 2023) "Historic Richard Arrington Jr. Boulevard Bridge is getting a makeover." Bham Now
- Durán-Whyte, Natalia (November 10, 2023) "About the Rainbow Bridge: History and what’s happening now." DowntownBHM.com