This eight panel, pin connected Pratt through truss spans Stranger Creek a short distance north of the Kansas Turnpike (I-70).
Photo taken by Robert Elder in November 2000
BH Photo #111154
Well shucks. This is one of a very small number of historic bridges in Kansas that is visible from I-70 - which along with I-35 is probably among the only roads in Kansas that many travelers use.
I can end all speculation after poking through the county website. Leavenworth County is currently wasting an estimate of $150,000 of taxpayer dollars to reduce this beautiful historic bridge to a pile a scrap metal. NO REPLACEMENT BRIDGE IS PLANNED. Nothing disgusts me more than this insensitive destruction of history and wasting of money. If they want to close the bridge to traffic, fine, go ahead. But unless the bridge is in danger of collapse, don't destroy history and waste money for no reason. A 2012 bridge inspection report was posted on the county website. This bridge was not in imminent danger of collapse. Demolition was not needed.
Also, I am attaching a map that shows the unusual county designations for all the bridges in the county... essential if anyone wishes to research other bridges in this county in the future.
Judging from the crane being in position and the recent newspaper article, I'm afraid to say that the bridge's days are numbered. The county had closed the bridge to all traffic in April. Link: http://www.leavenworthtimes.com/article/20130412/NEWS/130419...
The crane in the background doesn't bode well for this bridge.
Seems like a little more than necessary for floor plank removal.
Demolition has been completed for some time now. Bridge gone.....sadness....