Water, People, Bike, Rail, Car, Electricity
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
September 26, 2010, 15:05:33
© 2010 Jim Zellmer, All Rights Reserved.
This location, an intersection of numerous transport arteries, including water, cyclists, joggers, motorists, electricity and rail, is part of an effort to revitalize the eastern approach to Madison's capitol square. The bridge reflects the aesthetics of this initiative.
Rail—a train is visible in the scene—has a somewhat challenged recent history in Madison. For a time, the city mandated that trains could not sound their horn when crossing a street. More recently, there is a move to introduce high speed passenger rail, potentially connecting downtown Madison to Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Chicago and places beyond. The Governor has already purchased two Spanish-built trains. A proposed downtown station has been named after him (the Governor elected not to seek re-election this fall).
I thought this place represented a crossroads of sorts, both physically and politically.
The plaque refers to Norwegian Consul Halle Steensland who donated $10,000 in 1904 for a stone bridge over the Yahara River. That bridge was widened in 1950 and replaced completely in 2006. The plaque is from the original bridge.
Canon 5D mk II
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