Located in Adel, this large truss bridge carries the Raccoon River Trail over the North Raccoon River.
Possibly built in 1899 as a 3 span structure at Oxford Junction, Iowa; it is believed that two spans were relocated to Adel after the dismantling of that bridge in 1943. These two trusses are each 6 panel, pin connected Pratt pony trusses. These trusses were standard design for the Milwaukee Road.
In addition to the two trusses, a 45-foot girder is used as the west approach. This girder was likely built in approximately 1900 at an unknown location, and was "twinned" upon reuse here. The east approach is composed of timber trestle, and the entire bridge sits on concrete substructures.
While railroad records indicate that the bridge was built in 1944, a date stamp on the pier indicates the center pier was built in 1949. It is possible that these piers were rebuilt only a few years after construction.
Oftentimes, railroads would reuse older steel spans on branch lines to save money. The previous bridge at this location was an 1891 Pratt through truss.
Overall, the bridge remains in good condition. Unlike some structures in the area, the bridge has solid substructures which should provide a long term crossing for the Raccoon River Valley Trail, which uses the bridge.
The author has ranked the bridge as being moderately significant, due to the unique history and truss design of the bridge.
Relocations were common for bridge spans among many railroads, and increases the historical value of a bridge. This structure was likely reused and relocated because it was in good condition, and would be a fraction of the cost of a new bridge.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be accessed from the trail which it carries.
| Upstream | Perry Trail Bridge |
| Downstream | Booneville Rail Bridge |