Located near the town of Custer Park, this large truss bridge carries the Wauponsee Glacial Trail across the Kankakee River.
Built in 1902-03, the bridge originally featured four spans of pin connected 6-panel Pratt Through Truss, set onto stone substructures. These trusses replaced similar spans built in 1879. It is confirmed that two spans of the old bridge were moved to Pontiac, IL and survived into the 1980s before being demolished.
In addition, the bridge features a large sheet metal portal bracing, with a 1902 cutout. Interestingly, a 1903 plaque also exists on the bridge, indicating this span was probably fabricated around the winter of 1902-03. The members on this bridge are lightly built up with lacing.
The bridge remained largely unchanged until approximately 1970, when a train loaded with Brass for the nearby Joliet Arsenal shifted and struck the northern span of this bridge.
As a result, the span was replaced with a large through girder span. A new concrete pier had to be built as well, due to the collapse of the previous span.
Currently, the bridge serves as a trail. It is a popular location, with a park on the north side.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in very good condition. It should safely serve trail users for many years to come.
Historic advertisement of the bridge
Blueprints of the bridge, credit James Holzmeier
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design.
The photo above is an overview.
The Wisconsin Bridge & Iron Co Advertisement is courtesy of Internet Archive Book Images from a 1900 annual convention.
The blueprint and newspaper article are courtesy of James Holzmeier, of the Wabash Railroad Historical Society.
| Upstream | Wilmington Rail Bridge |
| Downstream | NS Kankakee River Bridge (Kankakee) |