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Katy Trail Smith Creek Bridge

Pratt Through Truss Bridge over Smith Creek
West Of Treloar, Warren County, Missouri

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Katy Trail Smith Creek Bridge
Built By Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railway
Contractor King Bridge Company of Cleveland
Currently Owned By Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Length 195 Feet Total, 130 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 10 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Pratt Through Truss and Trestle
Substructure Type Concrete and Timber Pile
Date Built 1907
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is a Trail)
Current Status Rails to Trails
Katy Trail Bridge Number 19
Significance Regional Significance
Documentation Date June 2016


Located along the Missouri River west of Treloar, this unique through truss bridge carries the Katy Trail over Smith Creek.
Reportedly built in 1907, the bridge features a single 6-panel pin connected Pratt Through Truss span. This unique span has been strengthened, and is nearly identical to a bridge over Lost Creek a few miles west. The bridge rests on concrete substructures, and is approached by trestle on the west side.
While this span was built in 1907 by King Bridge Company, the Lost Creek span was built in 1897 by A&P Roberts/Pencoyd Bridge Works. It is highly unusual how both spans utilize nearly identical designs, especially having been constructed at different times.
The truss here is unique, featuring a solid portal. In addition, the bridge can be tensioned with a tightening nut.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Unfortunately, its location along the Missouri River makes good photos difficult.

The author has ranked this bridge as being regionally significant, due to the unusual design features.
The photo above is an overview. The author hopes to return to this bridge for more photos.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Cultural Resources Inventory of Katy Trail
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele