Located west of Lucas, this bridge is an unusual example of a railroad maintained bridge for road use. The bridge carries 110th Street over Brush Creek at the BNSF Railway mainline.
It is unknown exactly when this bridge was built, although it is clearly a recycled railroad span from an unknown location. The 42 foot double intersection Warren pony truss is set onto timber pile piers, and approached by a wood stringer span on either side.
According to research by the Burlington Route Historical Society, the bridge was built by Detroit Bridge & Iron Works in the 1880s, although the last digit of the date was cut off on the history sheet. The span was installed in 1935.
The truss itself is interesting. While railroads such as the Chicago & North Western used this pony truss design, this is the only known example along the CB&Q. The bridge features six panels, riveted connections and vertical members on each panel, except for the middle. The truss probably dates from approximately 1885. The stringers of the truss are made of both steel/iron and wood, further indicating the railroad origins.
Unfortunately, no records have been found on the history of this bridge. It is believed it may be demolished in the coming years, as the road was closed in approximately 2020, and the grade crossing removed.
The author hopes this historic span can either be left in place here, or preserved at a new location. A small truss like this would not be overly difficult to move.
Overall, the main truss is in good condition, and could be easily fixed up. Unfortunately, the rest of the bridge is not in as good of shape.
The author has ranked this bridge as being highly significant, due to the unusual circumstances, old age and interesting design. The lack of vertical members on the center panel is a highly unusual feature.
The photo above is an overview.