Located along Old US Highway 40 just east of Solomon, this small through girder bridge crosses Bell Creek.
Built in approximately 1899, the bridge consists of a single through girder span, set onto stone substructures. No modifications were found on the girder, although some repairs have been made over time to the substructures.
These style bridges were commonly used along this line, due to the cheap cost, easy maintenance and availability of mass produced spans such as this. This is one of relatively few spans between Topeka and Salina with stone substructures.
Most bridges along this line were either built around 1899-1900, or around 1905-06. Unfortunately, the plaque on this bridge is missing. It appears it may have been removed relatively recently.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. While the substructure has spots where it is in poor condition, the superstructure is in excellent condition.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.