logo

Ottawa Trail Bridge (West)

Warren Through Truss Bridge over Marias des Cygnes River
Ottawa, Franklin County, Kansas

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Ottawa Trail Bridge (West)
Built By Missouri Pacific Railroad
Contractor (Main Span) American Bridge Company of New York
Contractor (Approach Spans) Wisconsin Bridge & Iron Company of Milwaukee
Currently Owned By Franklin County
Length 330 Feet Total, 150 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 20 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Warren Through Truss and Through Girder
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1903
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is a Trail)
Current Status Rails to Trails
MP Bridge Number Unknown
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date February 2017


This large through truss bridge crosses the Marias des Cygnes River near the west side of Ottawa, Kansas.
The bridge was built in 1903 as a three span structure, to replace a flood damaged bridge.
Of a common design, the main span is a Warren Through Truss with 6 panels and riveted connections. This span is approached by through girder spans.
The entire bridge rests on concrete substructures, which have been rehabilitated during the trail construction.
The truss is a massive span, of heavy construction for the time period. The walkway on top is a signature design, and the bridge in general is considered a landmark in the area.

The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the newer construction period and the common design.
The photo above is an overview.

Marias des Cygnes River Railroad Bridges
Upstream Pomona Rail Bridge
Downstream Ottawa Trail Bridge (E)

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Missing American Bridge Company plaque
Contractor Missing American Bridge Company Plaque
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele