Animas River crossing near Tacoma, CO 1997

Truss bridges consist of stick members that criss-cross in a regular pattern. The members are located at a regular spacing in horizontal, vertical and diagonal directions. Building up the sides of the bridge in this fashion creates a lightweight beam-like structure. Patterns of the interior members vary and have special names like Warren and Pratt truss.

A normal truss bridge supports the tracks from below. The through truss and the pony truss differ by supporting the tracks at the sides of the truss.

Crossing the Animas River below Tacoma, CO, at M.P. 471.2 requires a hefty structure, and this iron truss bridge does it in spectacular fashion. It was erected in 1894 and is a testament to the skill of the railroad designers of the time. The structure is affectionately called the "High Bridge".

The truss spans approximately 130 feet across the river. On the south end there is granite rock to support the abutment while on the north end a large gravely bank supports a concrete pier and a cute little wooden trestle.

In 1981 the D&SNG had the truss strengthened to handle the big K-37 locomotives. Most of the lighter tension units of the truss now have double members.

See Also:

Crystal Creek bridge display at Cimarron