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Benedict Rail Bridge

Pratt Through Truss Bridge over Verdigris River
Near Benedict, Wilson County, Kansas

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Benedict Rail Bridge
Built By Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Wilson County
Length 296 Feet Total, 172 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Pratt Through Truss and Deck Girder
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built 1900
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is Abandoned)
Current Status Abandoned, Awaiting Future Development
SKOL Bridge Number 145.4
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date March 2017


This bridge contains one of the most common through truss designs in Kansas.
These structures were built for the ATSF between 1898 and 1903. This structure was reportedly built in 1900.
The main span is a pin connected, Pratt Through Truss with 7 panels.
Approaching the bridge are single deck girder spans, one on either end.
The bridge rests on stone substructures, which date to the original construction of the structure.

The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the standardized and common nature of this structure, despite it being rather old.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge was accessed from Low Water Bridge Road.

Verdigris River Railroad Bridges
Upstream MP Verdigris River Bridge (Toronto)
Downstream UP Verdigris River Bridge (Neodesha)

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