This absolutely stunning Pratt Through Truss bridge is the highlight of the Luce Line Trail; and has a history that is equally as fascinating.
The bridge was originally built in 1885; as part of the Chicago & Alton's crossing of the Illinois River at Pearl, Illinois. When the bridge at Pearl was replaced by the present bridge, this span was relocated to Long Lake, Minnesota.
In Long Lake, it was built to cross over the double tracked Great Northern mainline. It sat on concrete substructures.
However, by the summer of 2004 the bridge would be preparing for another move. This time, due to a new freeway.
MNDOT decided to upgrade US-12 through the area, routing it parallel to the former Great Northern (now BNSF) tracks. The truss was picked up, moved and set down in the Long Lake maintenance building parking lot.
In 2005, a new pedestrian bridge would be built over the BNSF and US-12; and the new US-12 alignment would open in 2007.
The old US-12 alignment crossed under the Luce Line Trail under a rickety wooden trestle and I-Beam structure which had severely deteriorated.
Pearl, Illinois bridge, showing this span as one of four through truss spans. Library of Congress photo
In 2008, the wooden trestle was demolished, and the truss was relocated to the current location over Wayzata Boulevard (old US-12).
The truss was set onto concrete abutments, with faux stone imprinted into them.
While the preservation and continued upkeep of this extremely historic truss is a valuable asset by the DNR and the various partnerships who worked very hard to preserve it, there are some very minor flaws.
Unfortunately, the current abutments and railings detract from the bridge. A more appropriate railing and post design should be instituted for the truss. The biggest thing are the concrete blocks at the endposts, which greatly obstruct the truss.
However, some of the rehabilitation methods have proven to be very worthwhile; including a new deck and additional stringers. These do not alter the historic integrity of the bridge.
The truss itself is a 7 panel, pin connected Pratt Through Truss with very heavily built up members. Portal and Sway bracings are decorative features on this structure, and add to it.
The author has ranked the bridge as regionally significant, because of the relocation history, the build dates and the very good historic integrity. The bridge is a landmark in the area, and adds to the quality of the trail.
The photo above is an overview.