The Sibley Bridge Company was chartered in 1888 to construct the large bridge across the Missouri River at Sibley. Similarly, the Mississippi River Railroad & Toll Bridge Company constructed the bridge across the Mississippi River.
The entire line became part of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway in 1900. This mainline would see heavy reconstruction throughout the first decade of the 20th century. Reconstruction included tasks such as relocation and double tracking.
The line was critical to the development of the State of Missouri. The line provided the quickest and most direct route between the agricultural center at Kansas City and Chicago.
Throughout the 20th Century, the line remained one of the most critical rail lines in the United States. The heavy duty mainline saw guards during World War II, due to the critical connection between Southern California and Chicago.
Despite the importance of the line, the ATSF would see serious financial issues in the late 20th century. Because of this, they merged with rival Burlington Northern to form BNSF Railway. BNSF currently operates the line as the Marceline Subdivision; and it is a part of the greater Southern Transcon Line; completed in 1908.
The line connects to the equally as important Chillicothe Subdivision on the east, and the Emporia Subdivision on the west.
06/26/21
Hidden on a back road of Carroll County was this gem of a bridge.
This rather small sized Pratt Pony Truss was relocated from another bridge, in an unknown location.
Clayton Fraser, who did the Missouri Historic Bridge Inventory recorded this bridge as having been built in 1906. However, Santa Fe records indicate the bridge was actually erected in 1911.
Unlike the nearby County 314 Overpass, the original use of this bridge was less clear. Underneath, timber stringers had replaced any evidence of former railroad use.
Despite this, it seems highly likely that this was a former railroad span. Unfortunately, the original location remains unclear. If it was indeed relocated from the Chicago-Kansas City mainline, it likely was built between 1886 and 1888.
The five panel Pratt Pony Truss span featured pinned connections. It rested on concrete piers and is approached by aging timber stringer spans.
Reportedly, the Santa Fe also did deck work on the bridge in 1929. This may be the reasoning for the non-original stringers.
Unfortunately, this bridge was removed but not replaced in 2020. Unlike the County Road 314 bridge, it seems unlikely that this bridge was preserved by private citizens.
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the unique history and uncertain details.
The photo above is an overview from track level.