Stone Bridge Trail - North Kinnikinnick Creek Bridge

Located north of Roscoe, this through plate girder bridge carries the former Chicago & North Western Railway over North Kinnikinnick Creek. Little is known about the history of this bridge. The first bridge at this location was likely a timber pile trestle, constructed when the line was built. The Galena & Chicago Union Railroad placed great emphasis on upgrading timber bridges to stone or iron. It is believed that the bridge was reconstructed with an unknown structure in the 1860s, and was likely upgraded again by the 1880s. The current girder span appears to have been fabricated in approximately 1900, likely to replace an iron pony truss span. The bridge consists of a 72-foot through plate girder span, set onto a stone south abutment. The north end of the bridge is approached by two timber pile trestle spans, set onto timber bents. These spans were added in approximately 1940 to replace a failed stone abutment. The girder uses a standard design, including a traditionally composed floor and square ends. No plaques identifying a builder of the girder could be found. Through girder spans were popular for railroad use, as they were durable and easy to construct. Since the abandonment of the railroad, the bridge has been retrofitted with a wooden deck and handrails, and now serves as part of the Stone Bridge Trail. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair condition, with splitting noted throughout the timber piles. Portions of the main span have been strengthened with bolts, likely prior to abandonment of this line. The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design and unknown history.