logo

Brandon Rail Bridge

Quadrangular Through Truss Bridge over Big Sioux River
Brandon, Minnehaha County, South Dakota

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Brandon Rail Bridge
Built By Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway
Contractor Lassig Bridge & Iron Works of Chicago
Currently Owned By Ellis & Eastern Railroad
Length 470 Feet Total, 150 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 20 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Quadrangular Through Truss and Trestle
Substructure Type Stone Masonry encased in Concrete and Timber Pile
Date Built 1887
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status Used Sparingly
CNW Bridge Number P-106
Significance Moderate Significance

This old and historic truss bridge crosses the Big Sioux River just west of Brandon.
The bridge features a quadrangular through truss main span, which has a more "boxy" design than other similar structures.
This truss has riveted connections, and a pedimented portal bracing.
In addition, the bridge is approached by several spans of wooden trestle on either side.
The piers for the truss span are however made of stone, encased in concrete.

The author has ranked this structure as moderate significance for a number of reasons. The first is the age of the structure. The bridge is an early example of a Lassig Quadrangular Through Truss. In addition, it is a moderately early example of the design to start with.

The photo above is an overview.

Big Sioux River Railroad Bridges
Upstream BNSF Big Sioux River Bridge (Brandon)
Downstream IC Big Sioux River Bridge

Citations

Source Type

Source
Build Date Eighth Annual Report of the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway
Contractor Based on identical structures
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele