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| Name | CN Big Four Ditch Bridge Illinois Central Railroad Bridge #D-102.8 |
| Built By | Illinois Central Railroad |
| Currently Owned By | Canadian National Railway |
| Superstructure Contractor | American Bridge Company of New York |
| Substructure Contractor | Unknown |
| Length | 60 Feet Total |
| Width | 1 Track |
| Height Above Ground | 15 Feet (Estimated) |
| Superstructure Design | Through Plate Girder |
| Substructure Design | Concrete |
| Date Built | 1911 |
| Traffic Count | 10 Trains/Day (Estimated) |
| Current Status | In Use |
| Illinois Central Railroad Bridge Number | D-102.8 |
| Canadian National Railway Bridge Number | 102.8 |
| Significance | Local Significance |
| Documentation Date | 11/6/2022 |
In 1871, the Gilman, Clinton & Springfield Railroad (GC&S) completed 102 miles of new railroad, extending from the Illinois Central Railroad (IC) mainline at Gilman, Illinois to Springfield, Illinois. This route provided an underserved area in Central Illinois with a reliable railroad connection. In 1873, the GC&S would become bankrupt, and in 1877 would be acquired by IC subsidiary Chicago & Springfield Railroad (C&S). The C&S was formally consolidated into the IC in 1902, and IC significantly improved the track between Gilman and Springfield, constructing new bridges and realigning the railroad. Further improvements would be made in 1923, when a segment near Springfield would be double tracked. By the 20th Century, the IC was a respected railroad, operating an extensive railroad network through the central United States. Throughout the later part of the 20th Century, traffic on this line began to fall, and the line became more of a connecting line for the railroad. In 1972, the IC merged with the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad (GM&O) to form the Illinois Central Gulf (ICG). In 1988, the ICG was reorganized as the Illinois Central Railroad (IC). In 1998, IC was purchased by the Canadian National Railway (CN). Today, CN continues to operate this line as the Gilman Subdivision.
Located along Illinois Route 54 southwest of Melvin, this through plate girder bridge crosses the Big Four Ditch (formerly Wall Creek). The previous bridge at this location was likely a timber pile trestle. In 1911, the current bridge would be constructed. This bridge consists of a 60-foot through plate girder span, set onto concrete abutments. The steel stringer span was fabricated by the American Bridge Company, while the substructure was either constructed by an unknown contractor or railroad forces. The girder span utilizes a standard Illinois Central design, with a traditionally composed floor and rounded ends of the girders. The abutments of the bridge utilize a standard Illinois Central design, wing walls extending back from the face of the abutment. This type of bridge was popular among railroads, as it provided a durable and easy to construct design. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition, with no significant deterioration noted. Some spalling can be noted throughout the substructure. The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
Citations
| Builder and build date | Illinois Central Railroad Valuation Engineering Field Notes at the National Archives |
| Railroad History Citation | ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele |