logo

UP Cross Creek Bridge (Rossville)

Warren Through Truss Bridge over Cross Creek
Rossville, Shawnee County, Kansas

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name UP Cross Creek Bridge (Rossville)
Built By Union Pacific Railroad
Contractor American Bridge Company of New York
Currently Owned By Union Pacific Railroad
Length 173 Feet Total, 112 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Warren Through Truss and Deck Girder
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1906
Traffic Count 3 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
UP Bridge Number 84.29
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date December 2019


Located just west of Rossville along US Highway 24, this small truss bridge crosses Cross Creek.
Built in 1906, the bridge consists of a single 4-panel riveted Warren Through Truss, set onto concrete substructures. In addition, the bridge is approached by a short deck girder span on either side.
The truss follows a standard design, including the use of solid portal bracing, built up members and a short design. While Union Pacific used these trusses along other lines throughout the system, almost all other trusses between Topeka and Denver utilize a quadrangular design, with the exception of a pin connected bridge at Byers, Colorado; which was unfortunately replaced in 2018.
A small truss like this is somewhat unusual for this crossing. It would be expected that a large through girder could be used instead.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with no significant deterioration noted. Some minor spalling was noted throughout the substructures.

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

Citations

Source Type

Source

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