We came across this during our daytrip the other day. En route to another historic feature in southeast Indiana we were driving through New Point in Decatur County. Here came a short tunnel up ahead on S Co. Road 850 East.
No clearance sign, maybe 12 feet max?
Detail of side abutments
The 1909 date stamp has seen better days
The active Central Railroad Company of Indiana tracks run over the road using this structure. What is this type of structure called? Is it an underpass? Is it an overpass? Bridge? Tunnel? Viaduct? I’ve heard these called all of these, and have yet to find a definitive answer to the question. Any highway, railroad buffs or others in the know are encouraged to chime in…
Roadtirement 
I would say it’s an underpass because it runs under the tracks. It’s a really cool one after 1909.
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Thanks, Tim. Folks in our area call these viaducts, underpass makes more sense.
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Viaduct is correct also but I think of a viaduct spanning a valley or canyon or a large roadway like an express way. An arch over a single road doesn’t seem viable as a viaduct.
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Agree, Tim.
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I’d go for underpass, too
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Thanks, Derrick. With you!
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I think it might also depend on the function. The use of train overpasses across roads was due to it being safer than grade crossing. The intention was for the train to pass over the road bed without obstructing traffic. For the vehicle on the road bed, it could be described as an underpass to enable them to pass under the train road bed. Whatever it is called, it is unique looking. There’s a similar one (small) in Vicksburg, MS and one near Natchez.
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Thanks for commenting. These structures are relatively common here in the Midwest. I know of several within 30 or so miles of this one.
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If a train runs over it, it’s an overpass.
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That is one definition for sure. Thanks for chiming in!
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This is a fascinating discussion when you think about it! What you call something might have a lot to do with your perspective. Is it going over, or are you going under? I think there is an old fable about 3 blindfolded people and an elephant that may relate to this. Very cool structure and thanks for sharing!
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Most interesting take on the discussion at hand, including the old tale. Thanks Mark for the appreciation of the post and the thought provoking add to the discourse. 😉
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I would call it a railroad underpass. We have those in our area also as underpasses to artificial waterways from days gone by. Beautiful structure in any case.
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Thanks, Marcus. Are the old waterways you mention from Roman days? Thanks so much for commenting!
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The Romans never made it to Nuremberg, although you can see their military structures close by. Our waterways are from the beginning of industrialization, here is a link to our local one: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ludwig_Canal
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Thanks Marcus, that article about the canal is very interesting, including that so much of it remains!
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