Gathering Territory Trivia #10

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: #10 - From an engineering standpoint, the Linn Cove Viaduct is the World's Most Complicated Bridge. This marvel built "around" the base of Grandfather Mountain, because the owner's would not let any part of the mountain be cut away, is part of the last completed stages of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The bridge, which has spiral curves going into circular curves with curvature in two directions has seven supporting tiers 150 feet apart. It was constructed with 153 fifty-ton segments, NONE ALIKE, only ONE straight. The supports include large rubber-like pads to provide stability in the event of an earthquake. The $8 million dollar bridge includes every kind of alignment geometry used in highway construction and is the only one of its type in America. One hair-raising aspect of the construction is that each new section that was built served as the base for building the next section, The workers literally built their way across the gap. The bridge has attracted international attention. Begun in 1979, it was completed in 1983 but not put into use until the last section of the parkway was completed in 1987 (most info from Bledsoe's North Carolina Curiosties).

: If you are ever able to visit the Viaduct, which lies more north than areas of the parkway that we'll be on in our travels, be sure to pull over and walk below the bridge to view the construction. Be careful though, my brother tells me that it is a frequent stop for folks that need to *relieve* themselves!

: 
: I hope that these are not a bore,
: 'Cause I have at least 24....more!

: Yes, I skipped 25 days to go...because I had two 27 days to go posted. My widdle bwain is all a flutter with anticipation...

: Di


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