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Chetek Rail Bridge

Deck Girder Bridge over Chetek River
Chetek, Barron County, Wisconsin

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Chetek Rail Bridge
Built By Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway
Contractor Lassig Bridge & Iron Works of Chicago
Currently Owned By Union Pacific Railroad
Length 177 Feet Total, 50 Foot Largest Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 10 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Deck Girder and Trestle
Substructure Type Concrete and Timber Pile
Date Built 1892
Traffic Count 2 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
UP Bridge Number 41.29
Significance Local Significance


This old deck girder bridge crosses the Chetek River south of Chetek, next to County Road SS (Old US-53).
The bridge was built in 1892 by Lassig Bridge & Iron Works. It is a fairly early example of a span type that would be mass produced and extremely common just a decade later.
The bridge rests on a combination of concrete and wood substructures. An additional pier has been added under the Deck Girder, for further support.
The bridge is also approached by trestle. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair condition. The deck girder span is likely in poor condition.

The author has ranked this bridge as locally significant, because of the common design. However, the age of the span and early example of such should boost its significance.

The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Lassig Bridge & Iron Works plaque
Contractor Lassig Bridge & Iron Works plaque
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele