Located in the city of Beatrice, this large through truss bridge crosses the Big Blue River in a very scenic area.
Originally built in 1893, the truss span was added in 1910. Fabricated by the Pennsylvania Steel Company, the bridge features a large 8-panel riveted Pratt Through Truss. In addition, the bridge is approached with a 60-foot fishbelly deck girder on either end of the truss, and a 50-foot standard deck girder on either end of the fishbelly girders. The bridge rests on concrete and stone piers.
The truss appears to have many components typical of a CB&Q truss, such as the portals, sway bracing and built up members. No significant alterations have been made to the superstructure, although it appears that the stone piers supporting the truss have been altered with new concrete caps.
This truss is far larger than the other two trusses further north on this line. The members are significantly heavier, and the bridge much bigger.
It is worth mentioning that the difference in girders is notable. The inner most girders feature a fishbelly design, often used to resist bending in the middle under loads. However, these girders are only 10 feet longer than the outer girders, which are standard design.
Fortunately, the bridge is easily accessed by walking on a trail from a park.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in excellent condition. No major alterations have been made to the bridge.
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design and newer age. Unfortunately, many other truss bridges in this area have been removed, such as the Rock Island Bridge, once located just upstream from here.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | BNSF Big Blue River Bridge (Hoag) |
| Downstream | BNSF Big Blue River Bridge (Wymore) |