Read an article about the Schaub variant truss.
This unique truss bridge crosses the Iowa River just south of Albion in a very scenic location.
Built in 1902, the main span is a 136 foot long, Schaub variant through truss with all verticals and an A-Frame Portal.
It rests on stone piers, which are mainly encased by concrete. On the south end, it is approached by a long trestle.
The Schaub variant truss is a take on the traditional Warren design, developed by Julius Schaub in 1901. While the original design featured a combination of pin and riveted connections, this bridge utilizes purely riveted connections.
The Schaub design offered a savings of material and a reduction of traditional stresses in truss members. Schaub considered it to be an ideal link between long pin connected spans and short riveted spans.
Diagram of this style bridge
The north abutment is a basically an encased stone pier abutted against a concrete pad.
It is a nearly identical match to the Bridge near Union
The author has ranked the bridge as being moderately significant, due to the unique design.
The photo above is an overview on a warm spring 2014 evening.
| Upstream | Iowa River Trail Bridge (Union) |
| Downstream | UP Iowa River Bridge (Montour) |