D&RGW Pratt Truss Bridge

Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad, Provo River Bridge viewed from the west. Photo by Jack E. Boucher.

In 1884, the Union Bridge Company built three 165-foot through truss bridges for the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. They were originally built to span the Green River, but in 1900, they were replaced with bridges capable of handling standard gauge equipment. [1]

The Louisville Bridge and Iron Company shortened the original three bridges in 1901. One was installed across the Price River near Wellington, Utah. In 1919 the span was again moved to the Provo River on the D&RGW Heber branch. The shortened 82-foot bridge replaced a timber Howe Truss on the now abandoned railroad branch.

[1] This survey was completed as part of the Historic American Engineering Record, a project of the National Park Service. The field work, written data, measured drawings, historical data, and photographs were produced during the summer of 1971. The survey team consisted of David L. Bouse, Robert J. McNair, Toni Ristau, Keith Bailey, Charles Madsen, and Perry E. Borchers. Photography was completed by Jack E. Boucher.