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KCS Wilson Road Bridge

Steel Stringer Bridge over Wilson Road
Independence, Jackson County, Missouri

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Name KCS Wilson Road Bridge
Built By Chicago & Alton Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Kansas City Southern Railway
Length 29 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 13 Feet 6 Inches
Superstructure Type Steel Stringer
Substructure Type Stone Masonry and Concrete
Date Built 1899
Traffic Count 5 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
KCS Bridge Number 481.1
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date November 2019


Located on the northwest side Independence, this small steel stringer bridge crosses Wilson Road at Oxford Avenue.
There is some confusion about the history of this bridge. A 1979 track profile indicates that the main span was built in 1892 and rebuilt in 1899. It also states that the stone abutments date to 1878, when this line was constructed.
The author did not see some of the typical signs of an early 1890s beam, although it is also clear that the span was not replaced after 1979. It is likely that the 1899 rebuild completely replaced any 1892 structure.
Currently, the bridge consists of a single steel stringer span, set onto stone and concrete substructures. The main span features a ballasted deck and six beams arranged in an evenly spaced pattern. A small stone arch also apparently exists to the north of this bridge, although the author was not able to find it.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with no significant deterioration noted.

The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date 1979 ICG Track Profile
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele