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Abandoned N. Branch Leaf River Arch

Abandoned Stone Arch Bridge over N. Branch of Leaf River
Near Forreston, Ogle County, Illinois

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Abandoned N. Branch Leaf River Arch
Built By Illinois Central Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Private Owner
Length 9 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 4 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Stone Arch
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built 1851
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is Abandoned)
Current Status Abandoned
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date March 2015


This little stone arch hasn't been used in over 100 years, and is falling apart.
Originally built in 1851 to cross a branch of the Leaf River, it was replaced with a trestle in 1912. It is likely that the arch was failing, which led to the new span being constructed.
Since the bypass, the structure has been subject to flooding and serious deterioration. Today, little of the original arch remains.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in exceptionally poor condition, and will not remain standing much longer.

The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design and poor condition.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Illinois Central 1973 track profile
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele