The route connected to the Central Branch Union Pacific Railroad, later Missouri Pacific at Beloit. While the route had been controlled by UP for some time, it formally became part of the Union Pacific in 1900.
Little changed with the route throughout the years. Union Pacific continued operations over the line until 1991, when the entire route was leased to the Kyle Railroad.
Today, Kyle Railroad continues their lease and operations over the route.
07/17/21
Located on the west side of Minneapolis, this large Pegram Truss bridge across Pipe Creek is one of the most well known and historic truss bridges in north central Kansas.
The Minneapolis Pegram Truss is a fine example of a genuine Pegram Through Truss that is still in railroad service. Invented by George Pegram, the design was quite popular with the Union Pacific and Missouri Pacific railroads during the 1890s.
While George H. Pegram was working for Edge Moor Bridge Works, he patented this design in 1885. Unlike a Parker Through Truss, Pegram's design made use of a curved top chord with all members the same length. In addition, vertical compression members were all the same length as well on his designs.
Not long after Pegram patented his design, he left Edge Moor to work for the Missouri Pacific Railroad. The first Pegram Through Truss span was built across the Verdigris River in 1889, for the Missouri Pacific. During his tenure with MP, a great many spans of this design were built, including a 13 span bridge at Ft. Smith, Arkansas; and 20 individual spans constructed in 1890 alone.
By 1893, his reputation was well known, and he left MP to work as Chief Engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad. It seems he likely took advantage of this position to continue constructing his spans. He left UP in 1898.
The true number of Pegram trusses built is unknown. At least one large deck truss bridge was also built in his configuration. While almost all of his trusses have since been demolished, several remain standing.
Of the remaining spans, 11 are still intact in Idaho, two in California, two in Kansas and a single span in each Utah and Washington. Many of the spans were often relocated and reused after main line traffic became too heavy, as is the case here.
The Minneapolis Pegram Truss was originally built in 1893 across the Loup River at Columbus, Nebraska. A second Pegram Truss from that location is believed to have been moved to Concordia, Kansas; approximately 40 miles north of this location.
While the Columbus bridge was replaced by the present double track structure in 1908, this span did not end up here until late 1913. It is unknown why it took so long to be relocated, although it is possible that the railroad was waiting for a suitable location to install a truss bridge.
At 150 feet long, the bridge features a typical design for a Pegram Truss, including arched portals, pinned connections and eight panels. The bridge also sits on a stone and concrete south abutment, parts of which are likely from a previous bridge. The north end sits on a timber pier, and is approached by trestle spans.
In addition, the bridge is well maintained, and painted a silver color. Two plaques still survive on the bridge, and virtually no alterations have been made to the truss structure.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in excellent condition. Fortunately, the author has also been informed that the bridge is a landmark, hopefully securing the preservation for years to come.
The author has ranked this bridge as being nationally significant, due to the very limited numbers of these spans remaining.
The photo above is an overview of the bridge.