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Francis Creek Trail Bridge

Concrete Arch Bridge over Francis Creek
Francis Creek, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Francis Creek Trail Bridge
Built By Chicago & North Western Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Wisconsin DNR
Length 24 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 16 Feet (Largest Arch)
Superstructure Type Concrete Arch
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1911
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is a Trail)
Current Status Rails to Trails
C&NW Bridge Number U-29
Significance Locally Significance


This simple concrete arch bridge crosses Francis Creek, just north of Francis Creek.
The bridge is simply built, with a standard 24 foot arch. It has little unique features otherwise.

Bridge Blueprints

Bridge Construction
Blueprints and construction of the bridge, courtesy of the Chicago & North Western Historical Society

In addition, the bridge is next to the Meadow Lane Bridge, both of which were built at the same time. The Meadow Lane Bridge has more unique features.
During the time period, the Chicago & North Western was doing a considerable amount of work rebuilding this line to meet standards of typical mainlines. The former bridge here was a wooden trestle which was of considerable length.

Overall, the structure appears to be in decent condition, despite some minor spalling. It has been ranked by the author as being locally significant due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Date Stamp
Historic Photos Chicago & North Western Railway Historical Society Archives
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele