The Canton Viaduct in Canton, Massachusetts, is a marvel of engineering and a historic gem that has stood the test of time. Constructed in 1834-35, this impressive structure was once the longest and tallest railroad viaduct in the world. Today, it remains the last surviving viaduct of its kind, continuing to serve as a vital artery for high-speed passenger and freight rail service. The viaduct’s unique design, historical significance, and enduring functionality make it a must-see landmark for visitors to the area.
The Canton Viaduct was built by the Boston and Providence Railroad (B&P) shortly after its founding in 1831. The viaduct was the final link in the B&P’s 41-mile mainline between Boston, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island. Designed by Captain William Gibbs McNeill of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, with assistance from notable engineers such as George Washington Whistler and Isaac Ridgeway Trimble, the viaduct was completed in just over 15 months. The construction was carried out by Dodd & Baldwin, a firm from Pennsylvania.
The viaduct’s innovative design attracted international attention. Tsar Nicholas I of Russia even sent workmen to study its construction, leading to the design of similar viaducts on the Moscow–Saint Petersburg Railway. The Canton Viaduct’s historical significance is further underscored by its continuous use since its completion, now serving Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) Providence/Stoughton Line commuter trains.
The Canton Viaduct is a unique structure, utilizing blind arcades in combination with a cavity wall to form a hollow bridge. This design is the only one of its kind in the world. The viaduct spans 615 feet in length and stands 70 feet tall, with a train deck approximately 65 feet above the Canton River. It features six semi-circular river portals and two roadway portals, along with 20 transverse walls that extend through the structure, providing both support and stability.
The viaduct was constructed using 14,483 cubic feet of riebeckite granite, mined from Moyles quarry in Sharon, Massachusetts. Each stone was marked by the mason who cut it, and the stones were laid in a pattern resembling a Flemish bond. The construction process was meticulous, with each course of stone measuring 22 to 24 inches in height. Despite the lack of modern safety equipment, no fatalities were recorded during the construction, a testament to the skill and care of the workers involved.
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Visitors to the Canton Viaduct can marvel at its architectural beauty and historical significance. The viaduct’s design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with its blind arcades and cavity walls creating a striking visual effect. The six river portals allow the Canton River to flow through the structure, while the roadway portals provide access for vehicles.
The viaduct’s coping is supported by 42 segmental deck arches, 21 on each side, which span the tops of the 20 transverse walls. These arches support the spandrels, deck, coping, and parapets, creating a robust and durable structure. The longitudinal walls are five feet thick, with a four-foot gap between them, joined by occasional tie stones. This design ensures the viaduct’s stability and longevity, allowing it to withstand the test of time and the demands of modern rail traffic.
One of the most notable features of the Canton Viaduct is the Dedication Stone, located in the south end of the west parapet. This stone was the last to be laid in the viaduct and is now held together by iron straps due to damage sustained in 1860. The Dedication Stone originally featured the names of the directors of the Boston and Providence Railroad, but some of these names were obscured by the damage. Despite this, the stone remains an important symbol of the viaduct’s history and the people who made its construction possible.
Today, the Canton Viaduct continues to serve as a vital transportation link, carrying both Amtrak and MBTA trains. The viaduct underwent a significant renovation in 1993, which included the discovery of two 18-inch-deep troughs recessed into the granite deck stones, part of the original construction. These troughs supported the rails without the need for transoms, a unique feature that highlights the ingenuity of the viaduct’s design.
Aside from occasional maintenance, such as vegetation control and graffiti removal, the viaduct requires minimal upkeep. Its robust construction and innovative design have ensured its durability, allowing it to remain in continuous use for nearly two centuries. Visitors can explore the viaduct and appreciate its historical and architectural significance, as well as its ongoing role in modern transportation.
In conclusion, the Canton Viaduct is a remarkable example of early railroad engineering and a testament to the vision and skill of its designers and builders. Its unique design, historical significance, and enduring functionality make it a must-see landmark for anyone visiting Canton, Massachusetts. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a fascinating piece of local heritage, the Canton Viaduct is sure to impress and inspire.
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