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Abandoned Winnebago River Bridge

Abandoned Warren Deck Truss over Winnebago River
North of Mason City, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Abandoned Winnebago River Bridge
Built By Minneapolis & St. Louis Railway
Contractor Phoenix Bridge Company of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania
Currently Owned By Cerro Gordo County
Length 208 Feet Total, 130 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 25 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Warren Deck Truss, Deck Girder and Trestle
Substructure Type Concrete and Timber Pile
Date Built 1902
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is Abandoned)
Current Status Abandoned
M&StL Bridge Number 60
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date March 2015


Located north of Mason City, this large deck truss bridge has sat abandoned in the woods for many years.
Unfortunately, this bridge is challenging to get back to, as Spring Creek creates a natural barrier between the foot trails and the bridge.
However, in the winter, the bridge can be accessed via the ice on the creek and river. This method isn't always 100%, as I learned when I fell through into the river.
Despite this, the bridge is a treat. Built in 1902, the bridge features a large 6-panel riveted Warren Deck Truss. This deck truss rests on concrete piers, and is approached by a deck girder on the south end, and trestle on the north end.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Unfortunately, current plans to build a trail on the railroad do not include this bridge or track this far north. It is hoped that this bridge can be preserved long term.

The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the truss design.
The photo above is an overview.

Winnebago River Railroad Bridges
Upstream UP Winnebago River Bridge (East)
Downstream Norris Park Rail Bridge

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date ICC Valuation Summary Report, courtesy Doug Harding collection
Contractor Phoenix Bridge Works Collection at the Hagley Library and Museum
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele