This small truss bridge crosses Coon Creek, or Taylor Slough near Chillicothe, Missouri.
Employing a unique and rather advanced main span, the bridge consists of a 8-panel, riveted Warren Pony Truss span.
This span is a unique truss, utilizing construction techniques not common for 1903. A date stamp indicates that this bridge was built in 1903. Riveted trusses were oftentimes not used until after 1910. Many other examples of Wisconsin Bridge & Iron Co. pony trusses from this era also featured pinned connections.
In addition, the span contains partially laced endposts, also an uncommon feature.
Approaching the bridge are seven deck plate girder spans. Four of these spans reside to the south of the main span, while the remaining three have been placed to the north.
This structure rests on concrete substructures. It likely replaced an older wooden trestle span.
The author has ranked this bridge as being regionally significant due to the unique and rather state-of-the-art design.
To the north of this structure, a bridge crosses Grand River on a much larger bridge.
The photo above is an overview of the structure, looking north. The author intends to return to this location soon for new photos.
One final note is the name of the stream below. It is considered to be Coon Creek, but this small wetland is known as Taylor Slough in the Milwaukee Road files. Because Taylor Slough is the official railroad name, it has been used on this page.