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.