Phoenix Park Railroad Bridge

Whipple and Pratt Through Truss Bridge over Chippewa River

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

In 1882, the Chippewa Falls and Superior Railway wished to build from an existing line in Wabasha, MN to Chippewa Falls, WI.

It was completed to Chippewa Falls by 1883, but never was extended north. It was purchased by Milwaukee Road.

Coming from Wabasha, a train would have to cross the Mississippi River on the large pontoon bridge at Reads Landing.

Then it would follow the Chippewa River for a distance of approxamatly 47 miles. By then it would be in downtown Eau Claire.

This railroad also opened up a world of opertunities for expansion. A line was built at the same time north from a spot where the Red Cedar River drained into the Chippewa. It went north to Cedar Falls through Downsville and Menomonie.

The line from Menomonie to Cedar Falls, along with the branch to Chippewa Falls were abandoned 1902.

By 1951, the Pontoon Bridge was dealt a severe blow by ice, and the line was abandoned from Durand to Wabasha.

Then in 1979, the Milwaukee Road abandoned the rest, figuring it was pointless. The state of Wisconsin then stepped in and purchased it.

They asked Train admirer Clint Jones to operate it. He took control April 1980. He was extremely hopeful for the future.

By March 1981, things were not looking so good. Track conditions were bad, there were a couple of really bad trestles, and a large bridge in Eau Claire was in serious need of repair.

The line was abandoned again. This time, Wisconsin turned it into a trail, and by 2004 the trail was complete to Eau Claire.

Also, the line to Menomonie is a trail. Hopefully they will continue to serve pedestrians for a long time!
12/02/12

The Phoenix Park Bridge is another very noteable railroad bridge in Eau Claire.

Starting from the west side, there is a 232' Whipple Through Truss, then a 146' Pratt Through Truss and a 148' Pratt Through Truss.

The bridge is a landmark in downtown Eau Claire, and one of 4 major bridges fixed for pedestrian use.

This iconic piece of history clearly states a 1903 build date on the west abutment.

Whipple trusses are very rare, and this is one of only two in western Wisconsin. The other is the Dunnville Bottoms Bridge, in rural Dunn County crossing the same river.

The bridge crosses the Chippewa River just upstream of the confluence with the Eau Claire River.

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Chippewa River Railroad Bridges

The photo above is looking from the east bank.



The photo above is looking at span #1. The photo below is looking west along the bridge.






The photo above is looking at pier #1. The photo below is looking west along the bridge.






The photo above is looking at the east abutment. The photo below is looking under the bridge.






The photo above is looking from the east bank. The photo below is looking at pier #2.






The photo above is looking at span #1. The photo below is looking at span #2.






The photo above is looking west across the bridge. The photo below is looking east across the bridge.






The photo above is looking from the east bank. The photo below is looking east into the bridge.






The photo above is looking at some bracing. The photo below is looking at a bridge shoe.






The photo above is looking at the date plate. The photo below is looking at the west abutment.






The photo above is looking at pier #2. The photo below is looking under the bridge.






The photo above is looking at portal bracing. The photo below is looking at truss bracing.






The photos above and below are looking at truss detail.






The photos above and below are looking at truss details.






The photo above is looking upstream from the bridge. The Northwestern Bridge, a local iconic railroad bridge is in the background. The photo below is looking west along the bridge.






The photo above is looking at span #1. The photo below is looking from the east bank.

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