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Meadow Lane Trail Bridge

Concrete Arch Bridge over Meadow Lane
Francis Creek, Manitowoc County, Wisconsin

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Meadow Lane Trail Bridge
Built By Chicago & North Western Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Wisconsin DNR
Length 44 Feet Total; 20 Foot Main Span, 12 Foot Side Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 16 Feet (Largest Arch)
Superstructure Type Concrete Arch
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1911
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is a Trail)
Current Status Rails to Trails
C&NW Bridge Number U-29.5
Significance Moderate Significance


This unique double concrete arch bridge crosses Meadow Lane and a cattle pass just north of Francis Creek.
While the bridge is a simple designed concrete arch, it has one major unique feature. This is in response to using one arch as an overpass, and one as a cattle pass.
In addition, the bridge is next to the Francis Creek Bridge, both of which were built at the same time.

Bridge Blueprints

Bridge Construction
Blueprints and construction of the bridge, courtesy of the Chicago & North Western Historical Society

During the time period, the Chicago & North Western was doing a considerable amount of work rebuilding this line to meet standards of typical mainlines. The former bridge here was a wooden trestle which was of considerable length.

Overall, the structure appears to be in decent condition, despite some spalling. It has been ranked by the author as being moderately significant, due to the extremely unique design; and the great historic integrity.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Date Stamp
Historic Photos Chicago & North Western Railway Historical Society Archives
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele