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New London Rail Bridge

Through Plate Girder Bridge over Wolf River
New London, Outagamie County, Wisconsin

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name New London Rail Bridge
Built By Chicago & North Western Railway
Contractor Wisconsin Bridge & Iron Company of Milwaukee
Currently Owned By Canadian National Railway
Length 180 Feet Total, 130 Foot Largest Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Through Girder
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built 1893
Traffic Count 1 Train/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
C&NW Bridge Number 578
Significance Moderate Significance


This unique bridge crosses the Wolf River on the south side of New London.
Built in 1893, the bridge consists of a trio of through girder spans, two of which used to be a swing span.
While the main span was originally built as a swing span, it has since been rendered to a fixed position. Timber cribbing has replaced the original swing mechanism, and the span was likely turned by a key of sorts. The substructures of this bridge are built with stone.
Research has found that the bridge was constructed in 1893, although a builder is unknown. Lassig Bridge & Iron Works could possibly have been the builder.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition.

The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the swing design.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be seen from Water Street.

Wolf River Railroad Bridges
Upstream Shiocton Trail Bridge
Downstream Gills Landing Rail Bridge

Citations

Source Type

Source

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