Located along 1st street in Abilene, this large through girder bridge crosses Mud Creek.
Built in 1905, the bridge originally consisted of three standard through girder spans, set onto concrete substructures. Due to the channelization of Mud Creek in 1959, two more spans were added to the west end of the bridge.
The two differing span styles on the bridge show subtle differences. It is believed, but unconfirmed, that the western spans were originally built 1959. It is also possible they were built prior at another location and moved here in 1959.
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 span appears to be the largest multi-span girder bridge between Topeka and Salina.
Fortunately, plaques and date stamps tell the entire story for this bridge. Most bridges along this line were either built around 1899-1900, or around 1905-06.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Little serious deterioration was found throughout the bridge.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.