logo

BNSF Grand River Bridge (Talmage)

Pratt Deck Truss Bridge over Grand River
Talmage, Union County, Iowa

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name BNSF Grand River Bridge (Talmage)
Built By Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Contractor American Bridge Company, Lassig Branch of Chicago
Currently Owned By BNSF Railway
Length 378 Feet Total, 150 Foot Main Span
Width 2 Tracks
Height Above Ground 20 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Pratt Deck Truss and Deck Girder
Substructure Type Concrete and Timber Pile
Date Built 1901
Traffic Count 50 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
BNSF Bridge Number 379.61
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date November 2016


Located near Talmage, this large deck truss bridge crosses the Grand River.
Built in 1901 during a reconstruction of this route, the bridge features a 6-panel, pin connected Pratt Deck Truss. In addition, the bridge is approached by deck girder spans on either side. The bridge rests on concrete and wood substructures.
The east approach is unique, due to the wood piers which the bridge sits on. It is unknown if these replaced an older concrete pier.
Overall, the bridge appears very frail and light for the traffic it currently carries. However, it appears that some portions of the bridge have been upgraded recently.

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

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Double tracking of line
Contractor Missing American Bridge Company plaque
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele