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DeWitt Rail Crossing

Through and Deck Plate Girder Bridge over BNSF Railway and Blueridge Drive
DeWitt, Gage County, Nebraska

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name DeWitt Rail Crossing
Built By Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad
Contractor Lassig Bridge & Iron Works of Chicago
Currently Owned By Union Pacific Railroad
Length 109 Feet Total, 50 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 25 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Through and Deck Plate Girder
Substructure Type Concrete and Steel Tower
Date Built 1899
Traffic Count 1 Train/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
UP Bridge Number 23.72
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date October 2019


Located in DeWitt, this large girder bridge crosses both the former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy line (now BNSF) and Blueridge Drive.
Built between 1899 and 1900, the bridge features three girder spans. The largest of the three is a standard through girder span, crossing the railroad line. The remaining two spans are deck plate girders. While the abutments of the bridge are constructed of concrete, the pier is a steel tower.
Also within a half mile of the area are two other deck girder bridges along this line, as well as an old truss bridge on the BNSF line. This structure is unique for the area. No other structure on this line features a large steel tower such as this one. It is unusual to see such a bridge in Nebraska.
The girders on this bridge are standard designs for this route. Most bridges along this route were built between 1899 and 1901.
Overall, this bridge appears to be in good condition. Little serious deterioration was noted on the bridge.

Despite the unique features of this bridge, the author has ranked it as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

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