The ca.1900 time frame sounds good to me Robert.
I am curious if these spans were originally together somewhere else, or if they came from 2 different locations and were paired together here.
Nathan:
Good catch! Yes, this is the bridge, although it is most certainly older than 1941. I would suspect that this bridge was fabricated sometime between 1890 and 1910. It may possibly be constructed of wrought-iron. The bridge is set on newer pylons, so 1941 may be a rehab, or a relocation date.
If you look closely, you will notice that it is actually a double span with a very tiny pony truss at the far end. I have never seen this bridge, and in fact I was completely unaware of its existance.
The Kansas State Historical Society has B&W photograph that shows both trusses and the newer pylons: http://khri.kansasgis.org/displayImage.cfm?file=009-0000-000...
When this bridge was surveyed, probably in the early 1980s, it was not considered to be eligible for the NRHP. The NBI now considers it to be possibly eligible. Truss bridges are somewhat rare from this point west to the Rocky Mountains, which increases the significance of this particular structure.
Julie: Did you see this?
One word...Ridiculous!
I think this listing refers to the beautiful pony truss bridge shown in this news article. Does any of our Kansas experts agree? http://www.gbtribune.com/section/1/article/26866/
In fair condition, and an ADT of ten (10), yes that's right, TEN, it is obvious there is such enormous need to demolish and replace this bridge with a slab of concrete. I would expect to see at least a four lane structure here.
The two spans might be original. Check out the similarity between this bridge and this one in Ellis County:
http://bridgehunter.com/ks/ellis/260585004464/
It would not surprise me if the same firm built both of them. I also do not believe the ca. 1920 date for the Ellis Co. bridge.