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Peshtigo Rail Bridge (North)

Warren Pony Truss Bridge over Peshtigo River
Peshtigo, Marinette County, Wisconsin

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Peshtigo Rail Bridge (North)
Built By Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By City of Peshtigo
Length 330 Feet Total, 95 Foot Main Spans
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Warren Pony Truss
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1905
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is Abandoned)
Current Status Abandoned
Significance Regional Significance
In 1893, the Wisconsin & Michigan began construction of a line from Peshtigo, Wisconsin to Faithorn, Michigan. This route went through some of the thickest forest that Northern Wisconsin had to offer.
It would cross the river at Koss on a large truss bridge.
In 1894, a number of branch lines would be constructed. This included a short lived one near Koss (abandoned 1895) and one from Constine, Wisconsin to Miscauno Island.
In 1895, the railroad would purchase a short narrow-guage line from Peshtigo to Peshtigo Harbor, Wisconsin. They converted this line to standard guage and used it as a port connection.
In 1903, the mainline would be extended north from Faithorn to Quinnesec, Michigan. The following year, a branch line would be extended from Miscauno Island to Everett, Michigan.
By 1908, the mainline would be completed to Iron Mountain where it would end.

The railroad was short lived, and the entire system was abandoned by 1938. However, much of the original railroad grade has been converted to highway use.
The bridges in the area at Koss and the three at Miscauno Island were all converted to vehicle use to help alleviate the lack of river crossings between Iron Mountain and Marinette.
Today, Miscauno Island remains an important reminder of the railroad history. The Four Seasons Resort has repaired and done upkeep to the three railroad bridges as reminders of history, while the Koss Bridge was demolished in 1991.


06/26/21

This bridge contains four Warren Pony Trusses over the Peshtigo River.

These trusses are of odd design, but are however very similar to another bridge at Miscauno Island.

The trusses are four panels each, and consist of very light members. Riveted connections hold it together, while it rests on concrete substructures.
The bridge appears to be in structurally sound condition, although significant deterioration of the concrete has begun.

The bridge was used as a trail bridge for several months in 2012 as the old highway bridge was replaced.
One is to wonder why this bridge cannot be continuously used as a trail bridge, as it seems to be a popular area for fishermen.

The bridge has been rated by the author as regionally significant, due to the fact that it is one of four remaining Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad bridges remaining.
In addition, the trusses are very unusual in design. These appear to be more like highway structures than railroad structures.

The photo above is an overview. Unfortunately, it got cloudy right before I got to this location.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Construction of Wisconsin & Michigan Railroad
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele



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