BRIDGES

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The Kal-Haven Trail crosses seven bridges, most built in 1870 for the railroad. After carrying trains for 100 years, the bridges were converted for trail users by adding modern safety rails and decking. A 2002 report confirmed the bridges’ physical integrity and historical significance.

Map of the Kal-Haven trail pinpoints seven bridgeS built for the railroad and a humpback bridge that carried autos over the tracks. From west to east: Black River bridge; Spicebush Creek Bridge near Kibbie Townsite and Lacota; Barber Creek Arched Trestle Bridge, east of Grand Junction; unnamed Bridge; Humpback Bridge, southeast of Kendal; Cattle Crossing Bridge; unnamed Bridge; and another Cattle Crossing Bridge.

Black River Bridge in South Haven

Early 1900s black-and-white photo postcard titled 'M.C.R.R. Bridge on the Black River. South Haven, Mich.' The bridge, with a simple deck and supports, spans left to right across a wide river. A small wooden boat is anchored at the riverbank. Image Credit: Dick Godfrey

Early 20th-century illustrated postcard of the Black River Bridge at night. The bridge in the distance crosses the wide river under a blue-gray sky with clouds and a full moon. A boat rests near the bridge in the river. Image Credit: Dick Godfrey

In 1870, Liberty Hyde Bailey Jr. skipped school to see the Kalamazoo & South Haven Railroad's new bridge over the Black River. He thought it "the most wonderful engineering feat in all the world." Now covered, it is the largest bridge on the Kal-Haven Trail.

A late 2000s color photo of the Black River Bridge. The covered bridge has large, open windows and is supported by massive wood beams and steel girders under the deck. Bare trees line the riverbank. Image Credit: Sue Hodapp

Barber Creek Arched Trestle Bridge

Late 2000s photo of the Barber Creek arched trestle bridge against tall trees and a blue winter sky. The wood bridge with simple rails gently arches over a small ravine; two sets of wood supports are visible under the deck. Image Credit: Sue Hodapp

The 26th Street Humpback Bridge

The 26th Street humpback bridge was the only one to cross over the tracks. It was dismantled by 1988.

A color photo shows the 26th Street humpback bridge during fall. The bridge sits high over a tree lined ravine with train tracks beneath. The bridge deck in the middle is higher than the ramps on either side. Image Credit: Sue Hodapp

Cattle Crossing Bridge

Photo shows a cattle crossing bridge, a simple wooden trestle bridge over a small ravine. A high wooden railing runs along the span. Two sets of wooden beams supporting the bridge rise from among lush vegetation on the ravine floor. Bridges allowed cattle to cross safely under the train tracks. Image Credit: Susan Cooper and Rich Geer

Telltale Posts

Telltale posts warned people working on top of moving railroad cars of an upcoming bridge. Ropes hung from a wire strung between the posts alerted them to kneel or lay down. Two of these posts, once used for the now dismantled 26th Street bridge, can be seen along the trail east of Kendall.

Photo shows a telltale post along abandon train tracks in fall. A telltale post stands right of the tracks. About 18 feet tall, the simple wooden pole holds a metal rod that reaches over the tracks at a 90-degree angle. Telltale post and train tracks viewed from the 26th Street humpback bridge. Image Credit: Sue Hodapp

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