BNSF/NP 1891 Bridge in Little Falls, MN

(Bridge Hunter; no Historic Bridges; John A. Weeks III; Satellite)

John A. Weeks III

Austin Majaski posted three photos with the comment:

Got to see this little treat today on my way home. These vehicles are being moved south from camp ripely, through Little Falls Minnesota, over the Mississippi. A sight like this can be rare as this line is currently exempt. This is the old BNSF bridge. The original structure was built In the mid 1800s but replaced in 1974 due the an accident that had occurred here causing the east span of the bridge to fall into the water. The bridge that’s now at the site originally crossed the Columbia river in Washington. The bridge is and will remain an iconic part of our cities long history.

Wade Wiegert Former NP line to Brainard, cut back to Camp Ripley by BN. The other bridge, the combined hwy/rr bridge into the base, is dangerous for motorcycles with the track down the center. Your photos also caught DOD flats, I think those are even more rare than movements in and out of Ripley.
Donavan Bahls Yes, it rolled by my house in LaCrosse WI as an Eastbound Monday afternoon.
Austin Majaski Donavan Bahls Thats interesting. An article I read said the trains( 8 of them total) were headed down to fort hood Texas.

Actually, the near span is the original 1891 pin-connected Pratt truss. The far span is the 1900 era Warren truss that was brought from Washington State in 1974 to replace a damaged span.

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The remaining photos of this train movement have been moved to Military Trains.