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New Lenox Rail Crossing

Double Intersection Warren Through Truss Bridge over Metra Rock Island District
New Lenox, Will County, Illinois

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name New Lenox Rail Crossing
Built By Wabash Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Norfolk Southern Railway
Currently Leased By Metra
Length 150 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 25 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Double Intersection Warren Through Truss
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built 1917
Traffic Count 45 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
Wabash Bridge Number 1077
Significance Regional Significance
Documentation Date July 2018


Located behind the Walmart in New Lenox, this massive through truss bridge carries the Metra Southwest Service over the Metra Rock Island service.
Built in 1917 to replace an earlier and lighter bridge, this structure features a massive skewed and riveted 6-panel Double Intersection Warren Through Truss, set onto stone abutments. The main span is unique, as it features additional members on the two end panels.
A stone on the abutment gives a date of 1892 for the stone work. This contradicts Wabash bridge records, as they state the bridge was built 1880 and replaced 1917.
However, the author does believe this bridge truly dates from 1917. Built up members and heavy riveted connections are apparent on the spans.
When first constructed, the bridge provided the Wabash Railroad a crossing over the Rock Island railroad.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in very good condition. It is apparent that the bridge has been regularly maintained.

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

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Wabash Railroad Bridge Documents
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele