Historic Bridges of the U.S. | Alton Railroad Bridge

Photos

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Swing span: Open

Photos taken Aug. 1985 by Clayton B. Fraser for the Historic American Engineering Record

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Swing span: Closed

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Middle span

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West approach

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Approach span

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West portal

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Deck view

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Bridge tender's house

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Turntable

Overview: Lost through truss swing bridge over the Mississippi River on the Burlington Northern Railroad at Alton
Status: Removed after the railroad line was abandoned
History: Built 1892-94 under the direction of George S. Morison
Builder: - George S. Morison (Consulting engineer)
Design: From west to east:
Six Pratt through trusses, each 210 ft.
One Pennsylvania through truss, 360 ft.
One pivot swing through truss span, 460 ft.
Dimensions: Length of largest span: 460.0 ft.
Total length: 2,060.0 ft.
Also called: Alton Bridge (original name)
Inventory number: BH 15488 (Bridgehunter.com ID)

July 8, 2008: Updated by Kim Harvey: bridge was removed when the railroad line was abandoned in early 1990s
February 5, 2007: Posted new photos