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CN S. Fork Catfish Creek Arch

Concrete Encased Stone Arch Bridge over S. Fork Catfish Creek
Peosta, Dubuque County, Iowa

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name CN S. Fork Catfish Creek Arch
Built By Illinois Central Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Canadian National Railway
Length 20 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Concrete Encased Stone Arch
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built 1853, Rebuilt 1914 and 1922; Encased 1943
Traffic Count 6 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
CN Bridge Number 196.6
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date April 2018


Located just east of Peosta, this arch bridge crosses the S. Fork of Catfish Creek and formerly Chesterman Road.
Originally built in 1853 as a single stone arch, this arch has not fared as well as others along the route. As a result, the bridge was updated with a new floor in 1914, jacketed walls in 1922 and a complete encasement in 1943.
Typically, stone arches are durable and should not fail. However, encasing arches in concrete is a typical way to preserve for generations to come.
Currently, the bridge crosses S. Fork Catfish Creek. Chesterman Road used to run through the arch, although it has since been closed and removed.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in excellent condition, with no visible major deterioration.

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

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date 1973 Illinois Central track profile
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele