logo

BNSF Kickapoo Creek Bridge #9

Pratt Through Truss Bridge over Kickapoo Creek
Bellevue, Peoria County, Illinois

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name BNSF Kickapoo Creek Bridge #9
Built By Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Contractor Pennsylvania Steel Company of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Currently Owned By BNSF Railway
Length 318 Feet Total, 165 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 10 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Pratt Through Truss and Trestle
Substructure Type Stone Masonry, Concrete and Timber Pile
Date Built 1911
Traffic Count 4 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
BNSF Bridge Number 47.63
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date June 2015 and April 2017


Located in Bellevue, this bridge is the ninth and final crossing of Kickapoo Creek along this route.
Built in 1911, likely to replace an older truss bridge, this bridge consists of a single 7-panel riveted Pratt Through Truss, approached by the trestle on the north end. The bridge rests on stone, concrete and timber substructures.
This truss appears to follow a standard design, using heavy Pratt spans and a laced portal bracing. The bridge is parallel with the UP Bridge at this location.
Today, the bridge continues to serve BNSF traffic. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition, with no visible major deterioration.

The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design.
The photo above is an overview, with this bridge on the left.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Pennsylvania Steel Company plaque
Contractor Pennsylvania Steel Company plaque
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele