National and State Register

Morley Bridge

Chaffee County

Constructed by the Denver, South Park and Pacific Railroad in 1881, the Morley Bridge is Colorado’s oldest dateable vehicular truss. 

Morley Bridge, about 1977.

Morley Bridge, about 1977.

Photo courtesy of the National Register nomination.

One of the few remaining truss bridges with both wrought and cast iron components, it is also the only known pin-connected deck truss in the state.  Serving first as a railroad bridge, then a vehicular bridge, and now as a pedestrian walkway, the Morley Bridge is one of Colorado’s most important spans, having functioned in its original location for over 120 years.  The property is associated with the Highway Bridges in Colorado Multiple Property Submission.