One of the most unique bridges in Southern Wisconsin, this bridge was built at multiple times.
The original bridge at this location was a wooden truss span, built in 1881.
In 1888, two spans of 5-panel, pin connected Pratt Through Truss (Spans #1 and #2) were built to replace the wooden bridge. These spans were approached by a long wooden trestle, and contained a lattice portal bracing.
While the bridge with two spans was originally more than enough to cross the river, a second set of spans was added in approximately 1931.
These spans were likely built in 1886 at Spring Green, Wisconsin to cross the Wisconsin River. Span #3 was a 6 panel, pin connected Pratt Through Truss with a button type portal bracing.
Span #4 is a 7-panel, skewed Pratt Through Truss identical to span #3. This span also contains button style portal bracing.
Currently, the bridge contains these four spans. The 1888 spans are the western set of spans, while the relocated spans are the eastern spans. The eastern spans rest on stone substructures, built in 1881; while the relocated spans rest on timber substructures. A short trestle approach exists on the east end.
It is unknown why the bridge was rebuilt in 1931. The Milwaukee Road archives provided information on a repair of this bridge in 1931, indicating it might have been flooding related.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. This is one of several former Milwaukee Road bridges now on Wisconsin State Trails. Due to the age and relocation history of this bridge, it should be considered a gem on the trail system.
The author has ranked this bridge as being highly significant, due to the historic nature of these unique trusses.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be seen from WI-11, which runs parallel.
| Upstream | Pecatonica River Trail Bridge #7 |
| Downstream | Jane Addams Trail Bridge |
Detail Photos from March 2015
