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BNSF US-18 Bridge (Hull)

Steel Stringer Bridge over US Highway 18
Hull, Sioux County, Iowa

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Name BNSF US-18 Bridge (Hull)
Built By Great Northern Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By BNSF Railway
Length 120 Feet Total, 40 Foot Longest Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Steel Stringer
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1939
Traffic Count 12 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
BNSF Bridge Number 171.7
Significance Minimal Significance
Documentation Date September 2021


One of three similar bridges near Hull, this stringer bridge crosses US Highway 18.
Built in 1939, the bridge consists of three steel stringer bridges, set on concrete substructures. These beams are arranged in a pattern with six total beams. However, the main span outer beams have been replaced, likely because of truck strikes.
This style of bridge was common on American railroads, due to the ease of construction and durability.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with no major defects noted.

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

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Great Northern Bridge Book at Minnesota Historical Society
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele