Stone Bridge Trail - South Kinnikinnick Creek Bridge

Located in Roscoe, this large stone arch bridge carries the former Chicago & North Western Railway over South Kinnikinnik Creek. The first bridge at this location was a smaller stone arch culvert, covered with a large embankment. In June 1858, a large flood destroyed the bridge. A temporary wooden truss bridge would be installed until a permanent structure could be built. In 1882, the current stone arch bridge would be constructed. The bridge consists of two 24-foot stone arch spans, set onto stone abutments. The arches use a standard C&NW design, including cut stone facing, a semicircular design and wing walls which extend 45-degrees from the structure. The bridge was designed by Chief Engineer Van Mienen, and was constructed by an unknown contractor. Stone for the bridge was quarried near Dodgeville and Mineral Point, Wisconsin; and consists of dolomitic limestone. Due to the height of the embankment, the bridge utilizes a rubble filling, instead of a solid stone structure. This cheaper option reduced the amount of cut stone required for the bridge. To accommodate proper drainage, small drainage pipes were installed on the pier of the bridge. Stone arch bridges were popular with railroad use, as they were durable and easy to construct. The C&NW utilized standard designs for stone arches where possible, and preferred the design over metal or timber structures. Since the initial construction, the bridge has seen few changes, although the northeast wing wall was extended at a later date. After abandonment of the railroad, Roscoe Township acquired the bridge and railroad right-of-way, and it is now part of the Stone Bridge Trail. The bridge was nominated to the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with no significant deterioration noted. The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the age and design.