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La Grange Rail Bridge

Pratt Through Truss Bridge over Wyaconda River
La Grange, Lewis County, Missouri

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name La Grange Rail Bridge
Built By Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By BNSF Railway
Length 184 Feet Total, 148 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 10 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Pratt Through Truss and Deck Girder
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1904
Traffic Count 5 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
BNSF Bridge Number 151.11
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date June 2016


This large Pratt Through Truss bridge crosses the Wyaconda River at La Grange, Missouri.
While a stamp indicates a 1894 construction date, the truss actually dates to 1904. Built by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy; it features a large Pratt Through Truss main span, with pinned connections and 7 panels.
The bridge also features a single deck girder on the south end. The entire structure rests on concrete substructures. The truss is similar to many other CB&Q designs used throughout the era.

Historic Photo
Historic photo of the bridge

An inscription on the south face of the lone pier gives the date of 1894, which seems very possible for the structure. However, the bridge is identical to another bridge over the Fox River several miles to the north, which was confirmed to have been constructed 1906. It is possible that this bridge may actually be newer, and further research is being conducted.
As for the condition of the bridge, it seems to retain a high level of historic integrity without compromising structural strength.

Because of this, the author has ranked this bridge as moderately significant; due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Collection at the Newberry Library, Chicago, Illinois
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele