Since departing Mt. Airy, the OML has been following Bush Creek, but this
is the first tour picture that shows the stream, here muddied by spring
rains. Barely discernable on the steel wall at right is the faded bridge
number 33B.
Bush Creek meanders a fair amount in this area, and the OML crosses it six
times within a distance of about 2 miles. All the bridges resemble the one
pictured here. According to Impossible Challenge, Hartman Tunnel (ahead)
was built in 1901-1902, so it's logical these bridges were constructed at
the same time. One of the bridges ahead carries a date plaque of 1927
however, so perhaps the bridges seen now are not the originals.
More evidence of the OML's former life in a double-track configuration is
obvious here. Apparently CSX has deemed centering the remaining track
unnecessary, and the worn timbers provide maintenance truck access to
Hartman Tunnel.
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