UP Fox River Bridge (Cary)

Located along US Route 14 between Cary and Fox River Grove, this large deck truss bridge carries the former Chicago & North Western Railway Wisconsin Division over the Fox River. The first bridge at this location likely consisted of a wooden truss bridge. In 1864, the bridge would be reconstructed with two 120-foot iron Bollman deck truss spans, set onto stone abutments. The bridge was again reconstructed in 1882, when two 120-foot lattice deck trusses were installed to replace the Bollman truss. The most recent reconstruction of the bridge came in 1898, when the single track bridge was reconstructed for two tracks, and the current deck truss spans installed. The center pier was reconstructed in 1927, and the bridge was strengthened at this time. Additional repairs to the north face of the abutments were made in the early 2000s, giving the bridge its current appearance.

Currently, the bridge consists of two 120-foot, 6-panel, riveted Warren deck truss spans, set onto stone abutments and a concrete pier. These deck truss spans utilize heavy riveted connection, built up and solid members, and three truss lines. During construction of the current bridge, the previous single track abutment was extended south for an additional track. It is believed that the superstructure was constructed by Phoenix Bridge Company, and the substructure was constructed by an unknown contractor. Phoenix Bridge Company had received the contract to construct double track bridges along the line in 1898. Repairs to the bridge include the addition of additional plates at the outer panels, and encasing the north face of the abutments in a faux stone concrete. Despite the 19th Century construction date, this bridge is very heavily constructed.

While Warren deck trusses became popular in the early 20th Century, the design was still very innovative during the 19th Century. The use of riveted (rigid) connections was generally avoided in railroad bridges of the 19th Century. However, the C&NW used a standard lattice truss during the 1880s and 1890s, which used riveted connections. Between 1880 and 1920, only a small handful of truss bridges were constructed for the C&NW using a design other than the lattice truss design. It is unknown why a different design was chosen at this location. Phoenix Bridge Company constructed a large number of heavy and unusual truss spans for various railroads, and it is possible that the span was designed by the bridge company instead of the railroad. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition, with no significant deterioration noted. The author has ranked the bridge as being regionally significant, due to the early example of a Warren truss and history of this crossing.