This small through truss bridge was built to cross Lost Creek in the small town of Elsberry.
Built in 1902, the bridge followed a standard design, using a 5-panel pin connected Pratt Through Truss. The portals and other members all had similar features to other CB&Q trusses. The bridge rested on concrete substructures.
Erected by American Bridge Company, the design was also similar to the truss bridge at Old Monroe. Unfortunately, both of these bridges were replaced in 2019.
These designs were simple, economical and commonly used by the CB&Q. Today, vast numbers of them survive on former CB&Q mainlines; despite significant amounts of destruction as well.
At some point prior to 2016, the bridge was strengthened with new plates. However, the decision was made to replace this truss bridge with a small modular bridge in 2019.
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design. Unfortunately, this bridge is another example of railroad trusses quickly disappearing.
The photo above is an overview.