One of the most significant bridges in Southeast Iowa is this structure: a massive Whipple Through Truss crossing a rail yard on the west side of Fort Madison.
Built in 1934 to cross the Shopton yards, the bridge was constructed with relocated components.
The main span of the bridge is a massive and unique Whipple Through Truss span, which was built in 1888 to cross the I&M Canal in Chicago, near Ashland Avenue. This bridge contains pinned connections, and massively built up members. A huge X-Frame portal also graces the ends of the structure.
On the south end, the truss is approached by a series of wooden trestle spans. The north end has the same design, plus an additional 80 foot through girder span. This through girder also is likely an old railroad span, but a location has not been found for it.
The bridge rests on concrete and wooden substructures. It is located on a public road, and is maintained by the railroad (as is evidenced by the lack of National Bridge Inventory entry).
The most unique aspect of the bridge is the idea that the truss was relocated from another place. A truss this size was designed for two heavy railroad loads, and it faithfully serves automobile traffic now.
The author has ranked the bridge as being highly significant due to the incredibly rare nature of the structure, as well as the old age.
The photo above is an overview. It is important to stay off of railroad tracks when visiting this bridge, as an active railyard is a dangerous place.