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Kewash Trail Bridge

Quadrangular Through Truss Bridge over W. Fork Crooked Creek
Washington, Washington County, Iowa

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Kewash Trail Bridge
Built By Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway
Contractor Lassig Bridge & Iron Works of Chicago
Currently Owned By Washington County
Length 225 Feet Total, 129 Foot 5 Inch Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 10 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Quadrangular Through Truss and Trestle
Substructure Type Stone Masonry and Timber Pile
Date Built 1888
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is a Trail)
Current Status Rails to Trails
RI Bridge Number 2522
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date August 2013


Located between West Chester and Washington, this large through truss bridge crosses the W. Fork of Crooked Creek.
Reportedly built in 1888, the bridge features a single standard quadrangular through truss. These trusses were commonly see. on both the Rock Island and the Chicago & North Western, and feature riveted connections and a distinctive pedimented portal bracing.
In addition, this bridge is also approached by several trestle spans on either side. The bridge rests on stone and timber pile substructures.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Unfortunately, dense brush kept the author from getting closer to the structure and doing a thorough inspection.

The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date 1th Annual Report of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway (1889)
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele