| Additional Information: | A 'site file' exists for this property. It contains additional information such as correspondence, newspaper clippings, or historical information. It is a public record and may be viewed in person at the Wisconsin Historical Society, State Historic Preservation Office.
2023: Appearance unchanged.
2021 - Located across the Kinnickinnic River at Milwaukee Harbor, the Chicago & North Western Railroad Swing Bridge was constructed in 1898. The structure is a one-span, double-intersection Pratt through truss swing bridge measuring approximately 240 ft. long and 30 ft. wide. The bridge pivots on a circular stone pier situated in the center of the river.
Its central frame is comprised of built-up I-beams with an elevated operator’s shed located at the top center of the span. The bridge has been held in the open position in recent years. It appears to be in good condition and retains a relatively high degree of integrity. No changes are visible since the bridge was last surveyed in 2011.
2011-
Resurveyed; appearance unchanged.
2006-
This swing bridge is located at the mouth of the Kinnickinnic River, at that place where it enters the Milwaukee Harbor.
The structure is approximately 240' long and 30' wide. It is a Double Intersection, Pratt Through Truss that rises from,
and pivots on a circular, stone pier situated in the center of the river. The bridge's central frame, that which specifically
pivots above the stone pier, is comprised of built up "I" Beams that are 57" by 16". Extending to either side of the
center frame are lower chords comprised of 15" channels placed back-to-back with lacing, the overall dimensions of
which are 24" by 15". Situated between the lower chords, and to either side of the center frame, are seven floor
beams. They are "I" beams of plates and angles with overall dimensions of 4'3" by 14". Those beams carry four "I"
beam deck stingers, which are 26.6" by 10" "I" and constructed of plates and angles. The inclined endposts and top
chords are 21" by 15", built-up "I" beams. The various diagonals on the structure, as well as the struts, are all
comprised of angles and lacing.
The specific history of this bridge is presently unknown. It is understood, however, that few swing bridges remain in
Milwaukee. And of those that do, all are railroad bridges. This fabrication carried the historic Chicago & North Western
railroad across the Kinnickinnic River as its trains traveled to and from Chicago. It is about one mile south of the 1915,
Chicago & North Western swing bridge crossing at the Milwaukee River which, in 2005, became a locally designated
structure in the City of Milwaukee. The designation for this later bridge noted how unique and rare the swing bridge
type has become in Milwaukee. The report further noted that "the State Historical Society has recognized the
importance of old railroad bridges but notes that not enough study has been directed toward them."
The date of the subject bridge over the Kinnickinnic River is presently thought to be 1898. The structure visually
compares favourably with the 1890 bridge that was the predecessor to the aforementioned bridge across the Milwaukee
River built in 1915.
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