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Abandoned Old US-56 Bridge

Abandoned Deck Girder Bridge over Former Alignment of US-56
Near Delavan, Morris County, Kansas

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Abandoned Old US-56 Bridge
Built By Missouri Pacific Railroad
Contractor (Superstructure) American Bridge Company of New York
Contractor (Substructure) Industrial Construction Company of St. Louis
Currently Owned By Morris County
Length 225 Feet Total, 65 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Deck Girder and Concrete Slab
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1931
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is Abandoned)
Current Status Abandoned, Awaiting Future Trail Development
MP Bridge Number Unknown
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date March 2017


This small little overpass crosses a former alignment of US-56.
It was built in 1931, at a time when the United States Highway System was beginning to develop. This segment of 56 was likely one of the first permanent segments in Kansas.
US 56 was bypassed in 2002, allowing for an easier curve and less of a dangerous underpass.
The bridge consists of a deck girder span, approached by concrete slab spans on either side. These spans rest on concrete substructures.

Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. It has an unknown future. The author hopes that it will be reused as part of the Flint Hills Nature Trail.
Because of this, the author has ranked it as being locally significant. Despite it being a unique underpass, it is still a common design and more modern.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Date Stamp
Contractor American Bridge Company Plaque
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele