logo

Chapman Rail Bridge

Quadrangular Through Truss Bridge over Chapman Creek
Chapman, Dickinson County, Kansas

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Chapman Rail Bridge
Built By Union Pacific Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Union Pacific Railroad
Length 154 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Quadrangular Through Truss
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built 1902
Traffic Count 3 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
UP Bridge Number 151.55
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date March 2017


This single span Quadrangular Through Truss bridge crosses Chapman Creek in Chapman.
The bridge features a single span with riveted connections. In addition, it is built with a large skew which greatly affects the appearance of the bridge.
While similar to other trusses on this line, this design of truss is relatively rare in Kansas and Missouri.
Reportedly built in 1902, the bridge has had little alteration since construction. The one alteration is the replacement of the original portal bracings to be able to accommodate larger trains.
The bridge rests on stone substructures, and is easy to access from the parallel road. The builder is assumed based on similar bridges.
The bridge remains in great condition and is well maintained, although is not part of the busiest mainline across Kansas.

The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the low number of Quadrangular Trusses in the region, as well as the skew.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be accessed from a parallel road.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Junction City Weekly Union; May 16th, 1902
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele