Located near NE-103, this large deck girder bridge crosses Turkey Creek and is one of a series of three similar bridges in the immediate area.
Based on other bridges along this route, the author believes the north span was built approximately 1900. In 1924, the other two deck girder spans were replaced with new spans of the same design. In addition, the bridge features a large trestle approach on the west end. The substructure of the bridge is built of stone, concrete and timber piles.
The two build dates (Ca. 1900 and 1924) are very similar to the Big Blue River Bridge less than a mile away. That bridge also had spans replaced the same year, and features both stone and concrete substructures.
Spans like this are common for small to medium sized waterway and roadway crossings. Simple to construct, they are also easy to maintain and will last 100 years or more.
This bridge is unique because of the upgraded deck girders. While the north span is deeper and considerably different appearing, the newer spans appear lighter, despite these two spans being approximately 10 feet longer. It is believed flooding or general upgrades may have resulted in the replacements of some spans.
Furthermore, stone piers and abutments seem to be rather uncommon along this line. Other spans built around 1900 feature exclusively concrete substructures, indicating the previous bridge here was also a similar structure, probably 1893 vintage. It is possible the north span could be that old.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Little serious deterioration was noted anywhere on the bridge.
The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.