Diamond Creek Bridge--Chase County

Location:  From the Jct. of Hwy US-50 and US-177 just west of Strong City, West on Hwy US-50 3.7 miles.  Turn North on blacktop just west of railroad crossing and go 1 mile West.  Turn off on gravel road where the blacktop turns sharply north (bridge is visible from this corner).

Nearest Towns:  Strong City, Elmdale, also near Tall Grass Preserve

Admission Fee:  None

Photos Copyright H. Schuster.  Please do not use without permission.

Perhaps one of the most unique stone arch bridges in Kansas is located west of Strong City crossing Diamond Creek less than a mile from busy Hwy. US-50.  The west bank of the creek is higher than the east bank, and so the bridge slopes downwards from the higher bank to the lower one.  A very interesting design, and one which results in the "stair-step" look of the bridge.  The west arch is much larger than the east arch as well.  Diamond Creek itself originates at the famous and historic Diamond Spring several miles to the north.   This spring was an important point on the Santa Fe Trail.

The Diamond Creek bridge, though well built, is showing its age.  A large stone, apparently from the banister has recently fallen onto the frozen creek (Photo, right).  Though not shown in the photo, the county has taken recent steps to shore up the west abutment, so perhaps this bridge will be around for a while longer at least.

BACK TO INDEX