CN Drummer Creek Bridge (South)

Located on the south side of Gibson City, this deck plate girder bridge is the southern of three unusual deck plate girders across Drummer Creek. The first bridge at this location was likely a timber pile trestle. In 1920, a double track bridge would be constructed. This bridge consisted of a 51-foot 2-inch deck plate girder, approached by two 14-foot concrete slab spans on either side. The bridge would utilize concrete pile substructures, which was typical for Illinois Central bridges during this era. In 1943, the girders of the bridge were reportedly reconstructed, giving the bridge its current configuration. Currently, the main span of the bridge consists of a 51-foot 2-inch deck plate girder span, which utilizes four girders per track. The bracing between the girders is an unusual design consisting of angle iron, and appears to have been constructed in the field. It is unknown if the steel span from the 1920 structure were reconstructed in 1943, or if the present span was moved here at that time. Based on the design of the girders, it appears likely that the girders were reused from an early track elevation project in Chicago.

In 1892, the Illinois Central elevated a segment of the mainline in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago in preparation for the World's Columbian Exposition. The first major track elevation in Chicago, the project extended from 47th Street to 71st Street, and consisted of through plate girder bridges at street crossings. These bridges were fabricated by American Bridge Works, and utilized a unique steel floor known as a "Lindsey Floor". By the early 20th Century, the railroad needed to expand, and the original structures were replaced between 1917 and 1920. Many of the steel spans were rebuilt and used elsewhere throughout the Illinois Central system. The main span at this bridge appears to have been reused from one of the Hyde Park bridges, and is identical to spans confirmed to have been reused from that location. When railroads replaced steel spans along mainlines, the spans were often in good enough condition to be reused. Oftentimes, these spans would be strengthened or reconstructed prior to installation at the new location. This method of construction provided an economical and durable means of replacing bridges which did not have the same loading requirements as mainline bridges. Deck plate girder spans were popular with railroads throughout the United States, as they provided a simple, durable and easy to construct structure. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair condition, with some deterioration noted throughout the bridge. The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design and unclear history.