Truss bridges are beam bridges with extra support. The extra support of beams are what made the "truss." They are the main type of bridge used for carrying trains. They are recognizable by their grid type patterns, often of triangle shapes. There are many different truss designs. Trusses can be below the deck or above the deck.

Best Use: Trains and heavy cargo or spans that are not very long.

The Good: Very strong structures and can carry a large load.

The Bad: Difficult to build, not very attractive, need to be maintained, hard to widen if needed.