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Fulton Trail Bridge

Pratt Through Truss Bridge over Stinson Creek
Fulton, Callaway County, Missouri

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Fulton Trail Bridge
Built By Chicago & Alton Railroad
Contractor Kellogg Bridge Company of Buffalo, New York
Currently Owned By City Of Fulton
Length 195 Feet Total, 178 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 30 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Pratt Through Truss and Trestle
Substructure Type Concrete and Timber Pile
Date Built 1878, Relocated Here 1902
Date Rehabilitated 1944
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is a Trail)
Current Status Rails to Trails
ICG Bridge Number AE 351.0
Significance High Significance
Documentation Date June 2016


This elegant through truss bridge crosses Stinson Creek in Fulton.
Originally built in 1878 to cross Sni-A-Bar Creek at Grain Valley, Missouri; the bridge was moved here in 1902 when a new bridge was constructed at Grain Valley.
According to various reports, the bridge was built by Kellogg Brothers, also known as the Kellogg Bridge Company. This company went out of business in 1881, although they also built another C&A bridge, which now serves as an overpass at Delevan, Illinois.
At the current location, the bridge consists of an 11-panel pin connected Pratt Through Truss. It is unknown how much this bridge was altered when it was moved, although the joists and stringers seem to be typical for a truss of this era. The bridge rests on stone, concrete and timber substructures, and is approached by trestle spans on the north end.
A rehabilitation occurred in 1944, although it is unknown what this may have involved. In 2006, the bridge was converted to trail use.
Fortunately, the bridge is wonderfully preserved and in good condition. It is hoped that the bridge will remain for years to come.

The author has ranked this bridge as highly significant. This is the oldest known remaining railroad truss in the State of Missouri. This bridge should be continued to be preserved at all costs.

The photo above is looking north across the bridge. Unfortunately, summer foliage made getting good photos of this bridge nearly impossible. The author strives to get back to this bridge as soon as possible for additional coverage.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Historic Reports
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele