logo

Vaughn Avenue Trail Bridge

Through Girder Bridge over Vaughn Avenue
Ashland, Ashland County, Wisconsin

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Vaughn Avenue Trail Bridge
Built By Northern Pacific Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By City of Ashland
Length 99 Feet Total, 45 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 14 Feet
Superstructure Type Through Girder, I-Beam and Trestle
Substructure Type Stone Masonry, Steel and Timber Pile
Date Built 1897, Rebuilt 1912 and 1935
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is a Trail)
Current Status Open to Trail Traffic
BN Bridge Number 0.41
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date December 2016


This standard through girder bridge crosses over Vaughn Avenue in Ashland.
One of a few similar structures built to cross over the road at this location, this is the sole remaining structure.
The Soo Line bridge north of here was removed in 2008, while its parallel C&NW structure was removed in the 1980s.
This bridge was reportedly built in 1897, and rebuilt in 1912 and 1935. It is composed of a single through girder span, set onto steel substructures. The bridge is approached by I-Beam spans and is also approached by a trestle span on the east.
Currently, the structure serves as the Tri County Corridor, a trail following the old railroad route.
Overall, the bridge remains in good condition.

The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be accessed from the road it crosses.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Northern Pacific Bridge Book, provided by Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele