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BNSF Mosquito Creek Bridge #1

Through Plate Girder Bridge over Mosquito Creek
Earling, Shelby County, Iowa

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name BNSF Mosquito Creek Bridge #1
Built By Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By BNSF Railway
Length 215 Feet Total, 100 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 10 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Through Plate Girder and Timber Beam
Substructure Type Concrete and Timber Pile
Date Built 1929, Approaches Replaced 1942
Traffic Count 2 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
MILW Bridge Number Z-1448
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date October 2018


This large through girder bridge crosses Mosquito Creek south of Earling, along Iowa Highway 191.
Built in 1929, the bridge features a single through girder main span, approached by three timber beam spans on either side. The entire bridge is set onto concrete substructures. Similar structures crossing Mosquito Creek closer to Council Bluffs were built in 1931 and 1934.
The approach spans were originally constructed of concrete slabs built in 1911, but were replaced in 1942 as the slabs began to deteriorate.
This type of structure is often seen on American railroads to cross medium sized creeks.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Little significant deterioration was found on the superstructure, while the substructures are much more worn out.

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

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Milwaukee Road Archives at the Milwaukee Central Library
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele