This route connected with a main line to Independence, and later western Kansas.
In 1878, the railroad would be reorganized as the Lawrence and Galveston Railway.
The next year, the route would again be renamed the Kansas City, Lawrence and Southern Railroad, and would again be reorganized in 1880 as the Kansas City, Lawrence and Southern Kansas Railroad.
In 1883, the railroad would be purchased by the Southern Kansas Railway. This would become part of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway in 1899.
The ATSF had a mass of track in Kansas, with several important mainlines. However, this route was always a spur at the corner of a mainline.
Despite this, the industries in Coffeyville made it worth the while of ATSF to continue operations of the route.
ATSF oftentimes had bankruptcy and financial issues. In 1990, this route would be sold to the South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad, owned by Watco.
Today, the SKOL operates this spur into Coffeyville. They also have ownership of many other secondary lines in the area.
06/26/21
Of the four overpasses over 11th and 12th Streets in Coffeyville, this one has the most unique back story.
The original bridge at this location was a three span girder, built in 1908. However, it is unknown why this bridge is no longer in existence. It is possible it was damaged in some event.
Originally built in approximately 1900 as a turntable for a nearby roundhouse, the bridge would be recycled for bridge use in 1958 and set onto concrete abutments at this location.
Structurally, a turntable is structurally no differently than a swing bridge. This made adapting the turntable as a bridge rather easy.
Adapting turntables to bridges is a common practice seen on many railroads throughout the United States.
It is currently unknown where the turntable was located. At 75 feet long, this would've been a standardized design.
Overall, the bridge remains in good condition.
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due reuse of a turntable.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be accessed from the road it crosses.