logo

Abandoned Denomie Creek Bridge

Damaged Stone Arch over Denomie Creek
Odanah, Ashland County, Wisconsin

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Abandoned Denomie Creek Bridge
Built By Chicago & North Western Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Ashland County
Length 15 Feet
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 10 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Stone Arch
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built 1893
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is Abandoned)
Current Status Abandoned and Badly Damaged
C&NW Bridge Number 1280
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date December 2016


This standard stone arch crosses over Denomie Creek near Odanah, Wisconsin.
Built in 1893, it appears that a large flood damaged this structure in the Summer of 2016.
Given the nature surrounding flooding in this area, it is not a surprise that a large flood could destroy a stone arch.
On July 11th, 2016, heavy rain stalled over this area, and the surrounding area got 8 to 10 inches of rain in an 8 hour period.
Due to the damage the bridge sustained, it is likely to be a target for demolition in the near future.
Damage to the bridge includes the loss of the ballast retaining walls, and most of the head walls on either side.
Surprisingly, the wing walls remained, and the structural arch did not fail. Because the walls and arch did not fail, there is no reason to believe the remaining structure will fail.
Overall, the bridge is in poor condition and missing quite a bit of stonework.

The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design and damaged status.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be seen from US-2.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Chicago & North Western Railway Historical Society Archives
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele