This massive and somewhat confusing bridge crosses the Illinois River at Pearl, Illinois.
The original bridge at this location was built in 1885. It was partially rebuilt in 1900 with three 8-panel riveted Warren Pony trusses on the west end.
A further rebuild came in 1913-1914, when the rest of the bridge was replaced. Three more nearly identical pony trusses were added on the west end, the swing span was replaced, and an additional truss was replaced on the east end.
In 1978, the swing span was replaced by a vertical lift span to increase safety of river navigation. In addition, the easternmost pony truss and the east through truss span were replaced at this time.
Today, the main vertical lift span is a large riveted Warren Through Truss span with 12 panels.
The present approach spans are five 8-panel riveted Warren Pony Trusses, and a deck girder on either side of the lift span. The bridge rests on a combination of stone and concrete substructures.
One interesting fact to note is the old bridge here, built in 1885, had at least one span relocated and sold to an electric railroad. This span was relocated to Minnesota, and now serves as part of the Luce Line Trail.
Historic photo of the bridge, prior to replacement of the through trusses and swing span in 1913. Library of Congress photo
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant due to the more modern build date, as well as the hard to access nature of the structure.
The photo above is looking east along the structure. The author hopes to get more photos of this bridge soon.
| Upstream | Valley City Rail Bridge |
| Downstream | Confluence with Mississippi River |