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Abandoned Martin Creek Bridge

Abandoned Concrete Arch Bridge over Martin Creek
Edgerton, Johnson County, Kansas

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Abandoned Martin Creek Bridge
Built By Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By BNSF Railway
Length 24 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 10 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Concrete Arch
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1912
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is Closed)
Current Status Closed to All Traffic
BNSF Bridge Number 39.6
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date February 2017


This simple concrete arch was built in 1906 as part of an "overflow" track for the Santa Fe mainline.
Between Edgerton and Gardner, the mainline was originally constructed to double track standards. The original mainline was rebuilt and used as a bypass/overflow track.
BNSF eventually constructed a large transload facility closer to Gardner, and this line was abandoned after a new connection was built.

This arch was built in 1912 as part of a relocation and double track project. The original structure here was likely a wooden pile trestle of sorts.
It is a simple design, with a 24 foot span. It is in very good condition for the age.
The future of the structure is unknown. Since the abandonment, it has sat unused. It is likely that it will be preserved for future use if BNSF ever needs it.

The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design. The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway 1984 Bridge Records
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele