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BNSF White Breast Creek Bridge #1

Deck Plate Girder Bridge over White Breast Creek
Lucas, Lucas County, Iowa

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name BNSF White Breast Creek Bridge #1
Built By Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Contractor American Bridge Company (Lassig Branch of Chicago)
Currently Owned By BNSF Railway
Length 180 Feet Total, 90 Foot Main Span
Width 2 Tracks
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Deck Plate Girder
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1900
Traffic Count 50 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
BNSF Bridge Number 344.47
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date February 2021


Located just west of Lucas, this bridge is the first crossing of White Breast Creek.
Built in 1900 as the line was being reconstructed and double tracked, the bridge features three deck girder spans, set onto concrete substructures.
The bridge is relatively unchanged since it was constructed. However, a new concrete deck was added to the bridge during the Burlington Northern years.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in excellent condition. This line appears to be well maintained. This type of bridge is common along this route, and the builder is one of two commonly used along this route.

The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge was accessed with permission, as the road is a dead end.

Citations

Source Type

Source

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