Read an article about the Schaub variant truss.
A rare modification on a standardized design, this unique truss bridge crosses the Smoky Hill River just east of Salina.
Built in 1903, the main span is a Schaub variant Warren Through Truss.
The Schaub variant truss is a take on the traditional Warren design, developed by Julius Schaub in 1901. While the original design featured a combination of pin and riveted connections, this bridge utilizes purely riveted connections, with no crash bars on the end panels.
The Schaub design offered a savings of material and a reduction of traditional stresses in truss members. Schaub considered it to be an ideal link between long pin connected spans and short riveted spans.
This structure is set onto concrete piers, and is approached by trestle. This is one of only a few bridges west of Hope on the former MP mainline to still exist.
The west approach trestle is likely unoriginal to the bridge. The west pier appears to have once been an abutment.
Overall, the bridge remains in good condition. It is used sparingly.
The author has ranked this bridge as being highly significant, due to the unique alterations.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | MP Smoky Hill River Bridge |
| Downstream | Enterprise Rail Bridge (West) |