Old Railroad Bridge Company (ORBC)

08/01/2026

07/13/2026

Are you new to the Shoals area?
If you're looking for directions to the Old Railroad Bridge, here's the easiest way to get there. The bridge can currently only be accessed from the Colbert County side of the Tennessee River.
Cross the O'Neal Bridge, turn behind the Dollar General store, and follow the road back down to the river. While these may not be the most precise directions, they'll get you to this hidden gem!
The Old Railroad Bridge is a beautiful place to walk, enjoy the river, watch wildlife, or simply relax. More than 2,000 people visit the bridge each week, depending on the weather.
Whether you're a local or just visiting, we invite you to join the thousands of others who have experienced this unique historic landmark. Come take a walk across one of Alabama's most treasured historic railroad bridges and check it off your bucket list! Cornelia Burns Holland Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area &CNorthWestAlabama Visit The Shoals Colbert Tourism Sheffield, Alabama

07/05/2026

The Old Railroad Bridge Company (ORBC) is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and maintaining the historic Old Railroad Bridge.
Many people assume the bridge is maintained by the city, county, or state. It is not.

The bridge is cared for by a small group of dedicated volunteers who serve on the ORBC Board of Directors and work year-round to keep this historic landmark safe and open for the public.
We are now preparing for the first phase of our next major preservation project, with an estimated cost of $650,000. To help make this work possible, we have launched a new fundraising campaign.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation and, just as importantly, help us spread the word by sharing this post with your family and friends. Every donation and every share brings us one step closer to preserving the Old Railroad Bridge for future generations.

The Old Railroad Bridge has spanned the Tennessee River since 1832, surviving the Civil War and nearly two centuries of history to become one of North…

07/05/2026

Thank you to everyone who celebrated with us last night!
It was a beautiful evening as we celebrated the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America and the freedoms we cherish.

Every Fourth of July is a special reminder that our liberty was hard-earned and should never be taken for granted. We are forever grateful to the brave men and women who have sacrificed to protect the freedoms we enjoy today.

Thank you for making "View From the Bridge" such a memorable celebration. Your support helps preserve the historic Old Railroad Bridge for future generations.
God bless America! 🇺🇸

07/04/2026

The Old Railroad Bridge Company is launching our next fundraising campaign to help replace the railroad cross ties that support the rails above the current walking deck.

Over the past several years, we have completed the installation of the new walking deck. Phase Two of our preservation efforts focuses on replacing the deteriorating railroad cross ties. This phase includes 13 sections, with approximately 5–8 cross ties needing replacement in each section.

Every improvement brings us one step closer to preserving this historic landmark and keeping the Old Railroad Bridge safe and open for the public to enjoy.

As a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we depend on the generosity of donors and volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go directly toward the preservation and maintenance of the bridge.

We are also growing our volunteer leadership team! If you would like to help preserve this historic treasure, please sign up to receive our text messages and email updates. We'd love to have you join the Old Railroad Bridge Company family as we work together to preserve this landmark for future generations.

Together, we can ensure the Old Railroad Bridge remains open, safe, and enjoyed by locals and visitors for years to come.
Muscle Shoals National Heritage Area Huntsville-Madison County Convention & Visitors Bureau Visit Chattanooga North Alabama Local History Shoals History

The Old Railroad Bridge has spanned the Tennessee River since 1832, surviving the Civil War and nearly two centuries of history to become one of North…