TZPR Kickapoo Creek Bridge

Located in Bartonville, this large through truss bridge carries the former Peoria & Pekin Union Railway over Kickapoo Creek near Interstate 474. The previous bridge at this location was a lighter 156-foot Pratt through truss span, constructed in 1900 by the Schultz Bridge Company. By the 1910s, heavy traffic using the bridge required the construction of a new structure. In approximately 1915, the original bridge would be replaced with the current structure. Currently, the bridge consists of a 150-foot, 6-panel, pin-connected Pratt through truss span, set onto concrete substructures. The truss span is approached by twelve 14-foot steel stringer spans on the east end, which are also set onto concrete substructures. An unknown contractor fabricated the truss span, and another unknown contractor constructed the substructures of the bridge. The truss span uses a somewhat unusual design, consisting of built-up compression members, solid tension members, a traditionally composed floor and a modified A-frame portal bracing. In addition, the bridge uses both pinned and riveted connections, which work in conjunction to provide a greater rigidity to the structure. Pratt truss spans were the most common railroad truss bridge design in the late 19th Century, as they provided strength, durability, economy and simplicity. However, this design largely fell out of favor by the early 20th Century, and was ultimately superseded by riveted Warren trusses. Pratt trusses constructed in the 20th Century often utilized unusual features, such as the mixed connection types seen on this bridge. Since the initial construction, the bridge has seen few if any alterations, and retains great historical integrity. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition, with no significant deterioration noted. The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the unknown history and truss design.