Waddell A-Truss Railroad Bridge

According to its 2005 listing to the National Register of Historic Places, Shreveport’s A-Truss Railroad Bridge was first constructed in the 1890s over the Arkansas River in Oklahoma. The bridge and deck trusses were reassembled over Twelve Mile Bayou in downtown Shreveport in 1926 for use by the Kansas City Southern Railroad. The bridge design provided an economical solution for medium-range spans and was used until 1991, when that section of railroad was discontinued. Shreveport’s Waddell A-Truss Bridge is one of only two which remain in the country, with the other one located south of St. Louis, Missouri. In February 1992, the bridge was donated to the City of Shreveport instead of being sold for scrap. Engineering and feasibility studies were recently completed for rehabilitation of the structure and the City of Shreveport is developing renderings and signage for the site. Repairs are needed to convert this industrial landmark from rail lines to decking which may be safely used by pedestrians and cyclists.