Located in the town of Morris, this small truss bridge crosses the I&M Canal near Calhoun Street.
The history of this bridge is largely unknown. The Morris Terminal Railway was charted by the Rock Island to build track around Morris to connect industries.
However, this design was no longer used after approximately 1900. As a result, it is believed that this bridge was moved from another location.
It is unknown where the span could have come from. It is possible it came from a single track line that was being double tracked, although it is also possible it did not come from anywhere near here.
The truss is a riveted Quadrangular Through Truss, with a standard pedimented portal bracing. No plaques were found on the bridge, but it is believed that the bridge was built between 1890 and 1895. It is likely that it was moved here in 1905 during the construction of the railroad.
Today, the 105 foot span is approached by trestle on either side. It sits on entirely wooden substructures, and is now part of the Illinois and Michigan Canal Trail.
Quadrangular Through Trusses are relatively rare on a national scale, but a few railroads used them. The midwest has some high concentrations of them, due to the Rock Island and Chicago & North Western.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with no serious deterioration noted.
The author has ranked the bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design. It is protected as a heritage area, along with the canal.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | CN I&M Canal Bridge (Aux Sable) |
| Downstream | Marseilles Swing Bridge |