Stinson Creek Trail Bridge

Located on the south side of Fulton, this historic through truss bridge crosses Stinson Creek. The first bridge at this location was likely a timber truss or a light iron truss, set onto a stone abutment. In 1902, the bridge would be replaced by the current bridge. The bridge was constructed using a 144-foot, 11-panel Pratt through truss span, originally constructed in 1878 by Kellogg Bridge Company to cross Sni-A-Bar Creek near Grain Valley, Missouri. The truss span would be set onto a stone east abutment, a concrete pier and approached by wooden pile trestle spans on the west end. The truss span would be significantly rehabilitated in 1944, including the reconstruction of the floor to support heavier loads. Railroads often reused steel and iron spans, as it provided a cost effective way to replace bridges, particularly along branch lines. As was the case with this bridge, trusses and girders which had become too light for traffic could feasibly be strengthened, and installed at another location.

Iron truss bridges such as this were used by railroads throughout the United States, particularly between 1860 and 1880. The span utilizes a Pratt through truss design, which was arguably the most popular truss bridge design during the late 19th Century. This particular design provided a span with an economical, strong and simple design. This particular span contains a number of unique details. The portals consist of a decorative lattice design, with lattice heel bracings. Portal bracings such as this were often used on early iron truss bridges, and offered a decorative feature to the bridge. The bridge uses solid vertical members, iron bars for the compression members, and iron rods for the tension members. The floor was originally constructed of two iron stringers, supported by iron floor beams. During the 1944 rehabilitation, these stringers were strengthened by adding timber stringers on the outside. The panels of the truss are also exceptionally short, only 13 feet in length. After sitting abandoned for many years, the bridge was converted to a trail bridge in 2006. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition, with some minor deterioration noted to the substructures. The author has ranked the bridge as being highly significant, due to the iron construction, old age and unique history. It is hoped that the bridge will continue to serve pedestrians for years to come.