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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by IntrigueBlue (talk | contribs) at 01:47, 8 April 2006 (removed list of viaducts, added link to new viaducts category -> see discussion). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

A viaduct is a bridge that connects points of equal height in a landscape, usually by bridging a river valley or other eroded opening in an otherwise flat area. Often such valleys have roads descending either side (with a small bridge over the river, where necessary) that become inadequate for the traffic load, necessitating a viaduct for through traffic. Such bridges also lend themselves for use by rail traffic, which requires straighter and flatter routes. It gets its name from an analogy with aqueduct, which must be almost level in some cases, while a bridge for people, pack animals or non-rail vehicles can be hump-backed and gain a structural advantage (i.e., less material or design sophistication needed) from that shape.

See also

• Viaducts for all articles about specific viaducts.

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