Located northwest of Concordia near the town of Yuma, this large through truss bridge crosses the Republican River near Vale Road.
Little is known about the history of the bridge. It is believed that the truss spans probably date to approximately 1895, while the through girder is likely newer. A 1944 stamp on a concrete pier indicates that these spans were either relocated here, or placed onto new piers at that time. It is highly likely that both trusses and the through girder were moved here from an unknown location.
Prior to December 2015, the bridge consisted of two pin connected Pratt Through Trusses, each 6 panels in length. While the southern span was 150 feet, the northern span was 152 feet. On the south end, a small trestle approach was replaced by a modern steel stringer span. On the north end, the bridge was approached by a 90 foot through girder and three more trestle spans. The bridge sat on concrete pile piers, which date 1944.
On December 22nd, 2015; a Kyle grain train derailed on the bridge, collapsing the northern truss span. The truss was removed from the river, and put onto the north bank. The remaining spans were not affected. This collapse cut the KYLE route between their southern and northern lines. Repairing the bridge became an immediate priority.
When the author visited on New Years 2020, the bridge was not yet reconstructed. During the summer of 2020, a new through girder span was installed to replace the collapsed truss.
Today, the bridge is again in service, with the remaining truss span still standing. Unfortunately, an inspection of the bridge revealed no further information of builders or build dates. The author is hoping to find more information soon.
The trusses follow a standard design for the mid to late 1890s, including laced members, lightweght portals and light connections. The through girder could not be inspected closer, but it may date to approximately 1910.
Overall, the bridge remains in good condition. With the 2020 repairs, the bridge should continue to serve traffic for years to come.
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | Kyle Republican River Bridge (Scandia) |
| Downstream | CB&Q Republican River Bridge |