Located in a remote area near Kingsford, this unique structure crosses the Menominee River.
Built in 1902 to replace an 1885 Whipple Deck Truss, the bridge is a triple hinged, ribbed deck arch. This structure is one of only a few like it in the nation.
The bridge also features a number of unique features. The arch does not have a uniform arch shape, but rather has a pair of leafs that meet at a hinge point.
The hinge point is also unusual because of the chords unusual bend near the crown of the structure. The center panel does not have any top or bottom chords, but instead has the crossing of the two chords at the hinge.
Original bridge with new bridge being constructed. From Types and details of bridge construction, Volume 1.
To an untrained eye, this may result in the appearance of a cantilevered span. However, the bridge requires the other half to stand.
This design was chosen because it would reduce the materials and stresses in the structure. In addition, the bridge has two deck girder spans approaching either side. These rest on steel towers, set into concrete.
The bridge has been chosen as Nationally Significant by the author due to the extremely rare design of the bridge. Only the Soo Line High Bridge in Minnesota shares this design in the Midwestern United States, but does not have the odd features this structure does.
In addition, the previous deck truss was convered to a through truss and moved to Dunn County, Wisconsin.
The photo above is an overview. Unfortunately, this bridge is extremely difficult to access. This led to less than desirable pictures. More photos will come soon.
Menominee River Railroad Bridges
| Upstream | Menominee River Trail Bridge |
| Downstream | Niagara Rail Bridge |