CPKC Duck Creek Bridge (Davenport, West)

Located near Garfield Park on the north side of Davenport, this historic through plate girder bridge carries a former Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad (Milwaukee Road) secondary line over Duck Creek. The first bridge at this location was a timber pile trestle, which was last renewed in 1898. In 1929, the bridge was reconstructed with a secondhand through plate girder span, approached by new timber pile trestle spans. Currently, the bridge consists of a 40-foot type "B2" through plate girder span, approached by two timber pile trestle spans on either end. The entire bridge is set onto timber pile substructures and is located on a slight curve. The main span was originally fabricated in 1886 for use at Bridge #B-352; which crossed an unnamed creek near Bridgeport, Wisconsin. During the late 1920s, several 1880s-era spans along that line were replaced, allowing for reuse on other branch lines. An unknown contractor fabricated the main span, while the timber components were constructed by railroad company forces. During the mid-1880s, it is believed that the Milwaukee Road fabricated some iron bridge spans in-house at their Milwaukee shops. It is unclear if this may be one of the spans fabricated in-house.

The main span uses an unusual design, consisting of two light iron girders, square girder ends and an unusual floor system. The floor does not use traditional stringers, but instead the ties are set directly onto flanges located approximately halfway up the girders. The girders are stabilized by V-laced floorbeams, spaced throughout the span. In addition, iron bars form the lower lateral bracing. Type "B" and "B2" girders were a standard Milwaukee Road design where the ties are not set onto stringers, but are instead placed onto flanges inside the girders. It is believed that this design allowed for less material to be used, while maintaining a durable design. Relatively few type "B" and "B2" girders remain standing anywhere along the former Milwaukee Road system. It is unclear if any significant alterations were made to the span upon being relocated here, although spans of this age were commonly strengthened and reconditioned upon reuse. The timber components use a standard design, with round piles and standard stringers. Railroads often reused steel and iron spans, as it provided a cost effective way to upgrade branch line bridges without requiring large amounts of new material. The Milwaukee Road was well known for reusing bridge spans, and continued the practice well into the 20th Century. Through plate girder spans were popular for railroad use, as they were durable and easy to construct. Since the initial construction, the bridge has seen no significant alterations, and remains in use. It is likely that the timber components were renewed after the 1929 construction, although it is unknown when these alterations may have occurred. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair condition, with no significant defects noted. The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the age, history and design of the main span.