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Abandoned West Emma Creek Bridge

Abandoned Concrete Arch Bridge over West Emma Creek
Halstead, Harvey County, Kansas

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Abandoned West Emma Creek Bridge
Built By Arkansas Valley Interurban
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Private Owner
Length 168 Feet Total, 50 Foot Spans
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Concrete Arch
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1911
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is Abandoned)
Current Status Abandoned
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date October 2017


This three span concrete arch crosses West Emma Creek alongside Southwest 36th Street.
Built in 1911 for an interurban route connecting Hutchinson and Wichita, this concrete arch is typical of designs favored by interurban transit systems.
Since construction, the bridge has changed very little. Abandoned in 1942, the tracks would be removed for scrap.
Overall, the bridge continues to remain in near perfect condition. This is a true testament to the contractors that built the structures. Virtually no spalling and only a small amount of cracking is present.

The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the rare example of a multispan concrete arch in such great condition.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be accessed by following the railroad grade east from the levee.

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Source

Build Date Arkansas Valley Interurban Construction