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DM&E Redwood River Bridge

Deck Truss Bridge over Redwood River
Near Florence, Lyon County, Minnesota

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name DM&E Redwood River Bridge
Built By Chicago & Northwestern Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad
Length 260 Feet Total, 132 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 30 Feet (Estimated)
Type Double Intersection Warren Deck Truss with Deck Plate Girder
Date Built 1902
Traffic Count 4 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
DM&E Bridge Number 1341


This bridge is an amazing bridge over the Redwood River in far southwestern Minnesota.

The Redwood River starts near Pipestone, about 20 miles southwest of here, heads northeastward, going through Marshall and Vesta before arriving in Redwood Falls.
This bridge is the only one like it on the DM&E in Minnesota. In fact, it is the only Deck Truss on the DM&E in Minnesota.
The bridge is comprised of a 60' Deck Plate Girder approach on either side, along with the 132' main span. The rest of the 260' structure is made up of the abutments.

The main deck truss span is a Double Intersection Warren, which means the members cross others twice.
The Redwood River here runs in a valley, surrounded by hills and ridges. This bridge can be seen from about a mile north on MN 91 when its fall or winter, and 1/2 a mile west from MN-23 any time of year.
The area under the bridge is very sandy, and many fossils and shells can be found.

I was here on a very warm mid March 2012 afternoon. It reached almost 85 degrees further in my trip near Windom.
All the abutments and piers are stone.
The photo above is looking from the east bank of the river.

Redwood River Railroad Bridges

Upstream BNSF Redwood River Bridge #9
Downstream BNSF Redwood River Bridge #8


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