Camelback Bridge

The Camelback Bridge is a restored historic wooden bridge that arches over the Constitution Trail in Normal, Illinois. It is on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. The bridge's main span is a wooden kingpost pony truss. The bridge is supported by Phoenix columns, a type of wrought iron column that was patented by the Phoenix Iron Company in 1862. It is one of only two bridges in Illinois using the columns.[2]

This article is about an NRHP-listed bridge. For bridge types commonly called 'camelback' bridges, see camelback truss and concrete curved-chord through girder bridge.
Camelback Bridge
LocationVirginia Ave., across the Constitution Trail, Normal, Illinois
Coordinates40°29′53.5″N 88°59′1″W
Arealess than one acre
Built1880s
NRHP reference No.97000383[1]
Added to NRHPMay 15, 1997

History

The bridge was built by the Illinois Central Railroad around the 1880s to allow traffic on Virginia Avenue to pass over its railroad line. The Phoenix columns were likely salvaged from another Illinois Central bridge which crossed the Illinois River at LaSalle.[2] When the railroad stopped using the tracks, the original form was no longer needed, and during the rehabilitation, the bridge was rebuilt to a lower height to allow easier access to vehicles.

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. Howard, Jeanne (December 1996). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Camelback Bridge" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved January 8, 2014.

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