This page is dedicated to a bridge over twin train tracks connecting Pontiac to Detroit, in the affluent residential neighborhood of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. For years, rumors have circulated that this bridge is haunted by the lost souls of the young people who jumped to their deaths from the top of the bridge onto the tracks. One variation of this legend states that the jumpers aim for the tracks so in the event they survive the jump, the train roaring through will finish the job.
This bridge is in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood, on a secluded street called Trowbridge. The bridge is called the Trowbridge Bridge, Trowbridge and Grand Trunk, or by those who keep the legend alive, Trodes. The crumbling bridge is quite a contrast to the manicured neighborhood. The area feels private and the residents are angered by the trickle of onlookers to the area. The police patrol the area and will ticket trespassers. "No Parking" signs are everywhere. And yet, strange ones still come to this site.
Trowbridge Road Street Bridge over the Grand Trunk Western railroad tracks is what this site is about. The history of this area and the development of the railroad in this area is also examined. This site is dedicated to all things "Trodes," another name for this bridge, which is currently eligible for the National Registry as an historical structure. The name "Trodes" appears to be a name adopted by those who visit the bridge because of its reputation as a haunted place. The name, Trodes, is probably a condensed version of TROW and BRIDGE, morphing into a little of both words. Besides, the 'secret' name is short and pithy.
This site includes a little local history, including why this bridge was built circa 1930...when train tracks were relocated east, away from Woodward, to allow the expansion of that major artery connecting Detroit to the county seat, Pontiac.
But mostly, this site is about the legend of Trodes bridge and all the dispondent kids who jumped to their deaths on the tracks below. This legend is known to many, usually passed on by whisper. Many drive over the bridge late at night, and a few venture down to the underbelly of the bridge.
Other strange phenomena seems attracted to the Bloomfield Hills environs, legends, hauntings, etc. and some of them will also be explored.
This site is NOT about proving or disproving the legends and phenomena reported on these pages. Information supporting it will, when found, be included, but the author's intention is not to address your belief system with the intent of proving or disproving the existence of ghosts and other phenomena.
If you have any information I can include, more legends or documentation, please feel free to contact me. Check back frequently for updates.
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7 May 2007---The Ghost Zoo used to have lively discussions about Trodes and other interesting places around town. If anybody knows where this group landed, please email me at this site.