I don't think I would recommend using those rails for beams. You better check the bending deflection and have enough bracing to prevent the rails from rolling. While in theory they may seem ideal, the distribution of the material in the cross section isn't quite right for a beam application. I'm not saying it can't be done, its just no ideal. What type of weights are you thinking about running across this bridge?
Interesting observation. I'm by no means an engineer when it comes to things like bending deflection. But I do understand the general implications when it comes to the difference between the rail being able to support a train when anchored to a rail bed as opposed to a spanning application such as this.
Mostly it would be a footbridge but ideally be safe to drive across with our John Deere 748 garden tractor.
These particular rails were salvaged from the same kind of bridge construction built many years ago to cross the stream at another point. I assume back them all manner of critters & vehicles used it.