BNSF Walnut River Bridge (Middle)

Located north of US Highway 160, this double track through truss bridge is the middle BNSF crossing of the Walnut River in Winfield. The bridge was built in 1905 with a single 148-foot 7-panel pin-connected Pratt through truss span, set onto concrete piers and approached by timber trestle spans. In 1919, an additional track was added to the west side of the bridge, and an identical truss span was installed. While the west track was fabricated by the American Bridge Company, no plaques could be located on the east track. The two trusses are identical, and the same dies were likely used to cast the second span. It is possible that the dies were kept in storage at the bridge company, as the truss design was an ATSF standard. The truss spans utilize a standard ATSF design, including laced members and chords, and an X-frame portal bracing. This design of truss was extensively used by the ATSF from approximately 1898 until approximately 1910, as it provided a cost effective and durable design to cross larger obstacles. However, these portal bracings were only used at a handful of locations. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition, with no significant deterioration noted. The joints and connections have been repaired by cleaning, repairing and painting; a common repair technique used by the ATSF. The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design.