logo

Gilbert Creek Trail Bridge

Pratt Pony Truss Bridge over Gilbert Creek
Menomonie, Dunn County, Wisconsin

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Gilbert Creek Trail Bridge
Built By Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railway
Contractor Lassig Bridge & Iron Works of Chicago
Currently Owned By Wisconsin DNR
Length 195 Feet Total, 90 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track, 2 Trail Lanes
Height Above Ground 10 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Pratt Pony Truss and Trestle
Substructure Type Timber Pile
Date Erected 1944
Date Fabricated (Truss) 1900
Previous Location (Truss) G-1900 (Copper River Crossing; Rural Wisconsin)
Original Location (Truss) Z-708 (Olin, Iowa)
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is a Trail)
Current Status Rails to Trails
MILW Bridge Number M-358
Significance Regional Significance


Located just south of Menomonie, this small pony truss bridge crosses Gilbert Creek along the Red Cedar State Trail.
Originally built in 1900 as part of a three span bridge over the Wapsipinicon River at Olin, Iowa; this span was moved to Bridge #G-1900 in 1914 to cross the Copper River on a logging spur in Northern Wisconsin. When that line was abandoned, this span was sent to the current location.
The bridge consists of a 6-panel, pin connected Pratt Pony Truss, set onto timber piers and approached by trestle
At least one other span from Olin is known to exist, located near Merrill, Wisconsin. The third span was reused at Bridge #G-1904 across the New Wood River on the same line as the Copper River Bridge, but it is unknown what happened to that span.
Railroads oftentimes reused material, particularly along branch lines. This truss design was a standard design, and dozens were constructed. Today, many still exist.
Overall, the bridge appears to remain in good condition. It is located near the back side of Riverside park, just off WI-29.

The author has ranked this bridge as being regionally significant, due to the relocation history.
The photo above is an overview of the deck level of the truss.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Estimated based on similar bridges
Contractor Missing Wisconsin Bridge & Iron Company plaque
Original Location Information unknown
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele