- 1896: 27 miles completed from Hilbert Junction to Manitowoc, Wisconsin by Milwaukee & Lake Winnebago Railroad
- 1899: M&LW acquired by Wisconsin Central Railway
- 1899: Trackage rights gained from Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul between Neenah and Hilbert Junction
- 1961: WC merged with Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway and Duluth, South Shore & Atlantic Railway to form Soo Line Railroad
- 1984: Soo Line Corporation created by Canadian Pacific Railway as a holding company
- 1987: Route sold to Wisconsin Central, Ltd
- 2001: Canadian National Railway acquires Wisconsin Central, Ltd
- 2001-Present: Canadian National operates this line as the Manitowoc Subdivision
06/26/21
This beautiful through truss bridge crosses the Manitowoc River just west of Valders.
The bridge was originally built in approximately 1896, with the current through truss span and trestle approaches.
The piers were likely rebuilt during the Soo Line days. The truss span was reinforced approximately 2010.
The main truss is a 5-Panel, pin connected Pratt Through Truss with beautiful portal bracings. This is approached by trestle spans, and rests on concrete piers.
The portals have been strengthened, a method commonly used on old railroad trusses to strengthen the entire span.
Overall, the structure appears to be in decent condition. The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant; due to the historic nature of the truss span.
The photo above is an overview.
Upstream | CN Manitowoc River Bridge (Collins) |
Downstream | Manitowoc High Trestle |