logo

KJRY Hancock Slough Bridge

Pratt Through Truss Bridge over Hancock Slough
Hamilton, Hancock County, Illinois

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name KJRY Hancock Slough Bridge
Built By Toledo, Peoria & Western Railroad
Built By Wabash Railroad
Contractor Union Bridge Company of Athens, Pennsylvania
Currently Owned By Keokuk Junction Railway
Length 155 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 10 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Pratt Through Truss
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built 1890
Traffic Count 2 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
Wabash Bridge Number 118
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date June 2016


This Pratt Through Truss bridge crosses Hancock Slough just east of the Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge.

The bridge was built in 1890, likely by the Union Bridge Company for the Toledo, Peoria & Western. The bridge is set onto stone substructures. It can be accessed from US-136.

The 8-Panel Pratt Through Truss features pinned connections. It retains significant historic integrity, with the only alterations being on the end panels. Large steel beams and tension rods were installed to increase the load capacity of the bridge.

The bridge remains in fair condition. Because of the limited traffic it sees, it is likely a safe structure. Unfortunately, a similar structure on the line collapsed in 2013, highlighting the need for strengthening of these structures.

The author has ranked the bridge as being moderately significant, due to the common design; but also because of the fair condition of the bridge.
The photo above is an overview looking east.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Wabash Railroad Bridge Records
Contractor Wabash Railroad Bridge Records