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South Elgin Rail Crossing

Double Intersection Warren Pony Truss Bridge over Canadian National Railway
South Elgin, Kane County, Illinois

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Name South Elgin Rail Crossing
Built By Chicago & North Western Railway
Contractor Detroit Bridge & Iron Works of Detroit
Currently Owned By Union Pacific Railroad
Length 86 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 20 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Double Intersection Warren Pony Truss
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built 1887
Traffic Count 2 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
UP Bridge Number 37.65
C&NW Bridge Number 316
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date July 2018


Located in South Elgin near IL-25, this bridge crosses the Canadian National Freeport Subdivision.
Built in 1887 to cross the Illinois Central, the bridge features a single riveted double intersection warren pony truss span, set onto stone substructures. The bridge features lightweight connections and outriggers.
This particular design was exceptionally common during the 1880s, although few remain unaltered such as this one. The design was commonly built by Alden & Lassig, although this span appears to be an example of a Detroit Bridge & Iron Works span.
Since construction, the bridge appears to remain fairly unchanged, although the stringers were replaced within the last 50 years.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with minor deterioration noted throughout the structure.

The author has ranked this bridge as being regionally significant, due to the unaltered historic design. It is hoped that this bridge can be preserved either as a railroad or as another use.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Illinois Central 1944 Track Profile
Contractor Missing Detroit Bridge & Iron Works plaque
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele