I was down at the Scout Shop in Bethesda getting couple last-minute items with my Son for his trip to camp tomorrow when I figured I would drop by the Junction and see the carnage. Wow. I was heartbroken to see it in person. The beheaded bridge piers and demolished abutment made for a grim sight. The Talbot Ave bridge stood sentinel for over 100 years and had become a cultural and social icon to locals. It was really tough to see the altered landscape. All around us it’s happening. I noticed as I drove through historic Kensington that the industrial area near the station is being gutted and cleared out, no doubt for some new shitty condo or office complex. It’s sad to see it all go, but that’s MoCo for you. Visit it all while you can, for tomorrow it may not be there.

Here is a link to my photos from the trip today.

Good friend Greg C. stopped by the Talbot Ave site yesterday to see what was going on. Well, the bridge was being hooked up to the crane for removal and wow, the site looks different. It’s a bit heart wrenching to see this landmark being removed, but nice to know it’s not being sliced up and destroyed altogether. Unfortunately the actual removal was not captured (it likely happened later in the day) but this will give you a very good idea of what the scene looked like.

You can view the photos here in my Gallery.

I expect there will be more of these, but in the interest of keeping everyone informed, Greg forwarded an email this morning with updates on the status of the historic Bridge:

From: talbot-avenue-bridge-events@googlegroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, June 5, 2019 1:12 AM
Subject: Talbot Avenue Bridge demolition begins

Today, a little after 7am, Talbot Avenue Bridge closed. By midday clamps had been attached to the girders and steel extensions, in preparation for later removal by crane. By the end of the day, the wood edging along either side of the Bridge had begun to be removed.

If you would like to view the demolition process, best viewing is on the 4th Avenue side of the Bridge (North Woodside).

The removal of the girders could happen soon, i.e within the next week and as soon as the end of this week. Purple Line continues, however, to wait for flaggers from CSX, without which this aspect of the demolition cannot proceed.

UPDATE 2: FYI, according to Purple Line Transit Constructors, the Talbot Avenue Bridge will close this coming Tuesday (June 4).

A Candlelight Vigil will be held on the Bridge the evening before (Monday, June 3). 

UPDATE: This has been postponed until further notice, due to a delay in the demolition schedule.
Demolition is slated to begin this Friday, May 17, 2019. There is a candle light vigil planned for tomorrow night. Here are the details:

From: Talbot Avenue Bridge <talbotavenuebridge100@gmail.com>

As many of you know, the Bridge will close for demolition this Friday, May 17 at 7am.  The evening before neighbors and friends of the Bridge are invited to an informal gathering on the Bridge to mark this transition. As the sun sets and the candle lights brighten enjoy a final moment in this historic space with other members of our community. 

What:   Talbot Avenue Bridge Candlelight VigilWhen:  Thursday, May 16
             7:30-8:00 pm – Gathering time, informal meet & greet, group photos
             8:00-8:30 pm – Sharing of reflections and stories related to the Bridge
Bring:   Lantern (optional)
Note: It has not yet been confirmed when the Bridge’s demolition will begin, but supposedly community members will be informed in advance.  A lot of the demolition is likely to take place late at night, when MARC trains are not running.  A large crane will be brought in to hoist the girders which weigh 11,000 lbs each.  Interesting factoid: The girders were fabricated from an overturned recycled B&O railroad train turntable.