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KCS Macoupin Creek Bridge

Pratt Through Truss Bridge over Macoupin Creek
Near Carrollton, Greene County, Illinois

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name KCS Macoupin Creek Bridge
Built By Chicago & Alton Railroad
Contractor (Main Span) Lassig Bridge & Iron Works of Chicago
Contractor (Approach Span) American Bridge Company of New York
Currently Owned By Kansas City Sotuthern Railway
Length 223 Feet Total, 175 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet(Estimated)
Superstructure Type Pratt Through Truss and Deck Girder
Substructure Type Concrete and Stone Masonry
Date Built 1889, Approach Added 1901
Traffic Count 4 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
KCS Bridge Number 50.9
Significance Regional Significance
Documentation Date June 2016


This unique through truss bridge crosses Macoupin Creek south of Carrolton, Illinois.

The main truss is a large 7 Panel, Pin Connected Pratt Through Truss. This span was designed and fabricated by Lassig Bridge & Iron Works.
The bridge also has a unique feature. The lower connection for the vertical members contains a double pin connection, commonly seen in older truss spans.

The approach is a single deck girder span set on the north side. The concrete substructures were built in 1901.
The previous substructures are stone structures, which are considerably smaller than the large truss. It is unknown if, but is likely that the truss span was relocated from another area to this spot in 1901.

The author has ranked this bridge as being regionally significant, due to the unique truss span.

The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date 1972 Illinois Central Gulf track profile
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele