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This bridge had a 1916 date for construction given in the National Bridge Inventory. This bridge's lightweight design, narrow deck width, unusual top chord and end post design, and pin connected structure all suggest this date was incorrect. The bridge appeared older than the national bridge inventory suggested. It is not known if the 1916 date is a complete error, or if it might indicate that in 1916 this bridge was relocated from elsewhere and reused in this location, something not uncommon with truss bridges in the past.
This was an extremely short through truss at just under 71 feet in length! This alone gave it a unique appearance unlike most through truss bridges. The bridge had five panels, was pin connected, and featured a wooden deck that was a bit broken up in spots. Typical of Iroquois County, there were channel railings. These railings were oddly mounted and out-of-place looking on this bridge, suggesting that Iroquois County replaced original railings long ago before "modern" guardrail was around. Perhaps the most stunning and noticeable aspect of this beautiful bridge was the v-lacing on both sides of the top chord and end posts. Most truss bridges placed cover plate on top of these elements. Such a small change in the design of a truss bridge resulted in a vastly different appearance. With v-lacing on both sides, it made the bridge look more lightweight and open. It also added to the geometric beauty of the bridge. There was also v-lacing on the sway bracing and verticals to top off the effect. The portal bracing was an a-frame design. The bridge's abutments were concrete.
This bridge was one of the nicest and most unusual bridges in the county. However, Iroquois County appears to be systematically demolishing their truss bridges at a rapid rate. This was confirmed when this website's team visited the county (many bridges listed in the inventory were already gone), and has been further confirmed by demolition of the bridges that were photographed for this website. Within a handful of years they are going from one of the most truss-rich counties in the state to joining the crowds of Illinois counties with very few truss bridges. This is very disappointing. The loss of the Iroquois 3000 Bridge is particularly devastating because the bridge was so unique and visually attractive. It should have been singled out for preservation.
This historic bridge has been demolished. This map is shown for reference purposes only.
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