The pin connected bridge is highly decorative. One of the portals was removed, but is tucked under the bridge for safe keeping.
One other span is at Bergfeld Pond in Dubuque, and was restored in 2007. Two spans are together in Vicksburg, Mississippi as well.
This span is famous, and rightfully so, is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a well known point on the Heritage Trail.
This bridge was relocated from a few hundred feet away from Clay Hill Road in 1992 to serve as a rest stop for the Heritage Trail. That trail opened in 1981 on a former Chicago Great Western Railway grade.
Overall, the bridge is in poor condition. Holes from cutting torches were made in some of the historic elements of the bridge. Fortunately, the bridge is not carrying a load.
These spans were built for an approach to the crossing of the Mississippi River in Dubuque by Illinois Central Railroad. These spans were filled and sold at various times. This one was sold to Dubuque County in 1890, and may have been the last one built.
The relocation history of the bridge is not uncommon for railroads. When the span was sold in 1890, it was likely in very good condition.
The author has ranked this bridge as being highly significant, due to the unique relocation and reuse history; as well as the 1872 age and the overall historic nature of the bridge.
The photo above is looking from the Heritage Trail. It can be accessed from the trail which is alongside it.
06/26/21