This massive truss bridge crosses the Platte River parallel to Missouri State Highway 45.
There are a number of Platte Rivers in the Midwest. This particular river is known as the Little Platte River to help distinguish it from the major river that runs through the plains of Colorado and Nebraska. This river rises near Creston, Iowa flowing south until it reaches the Missouri River near Kansas City.
Little is known about the history of the bridge. It is believed that the girder and slab spans were constructed in 1920, when the line was double tracked.
In 1945, a major flood washed out part of the bridge. A temporary bridge was used for a couple years while the collapsed spans were scrapped and eventually replaced. It is unknown when the truss was added, although it may have been in 1946.
The bridge currently consists of a massive 8-panel, riveted Baltimore Through Truss. In addition, three through girder spans approach the bridge (two on the north, one on the south) along with a single concrete slab span on either side.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with little significant deterioration.
The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common nature of the through girder spans; and the more modern nature of the truss span.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | Sharps Station Interurban Bridge |
| Downstream | Mouth at Missouri River |