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IC S. Fork Iowa River Bridge

Deck Plate Girder Bridge over S. Fork Iowa River
Alden, Hardin County, Iowa

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Name IC S. Fork Iowa River Bridge
Built By Illinois Central Railroad
Contractor McClintic-Marshall Company of Pottstown, Pennsylvania
Currently Owned By Canadian National Railway
Length 104 Feet Total, 50 Foot Spans
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Deck Plate Girder
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1931 and 1952
Traffic Count 3 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
CN Bridge Number 336.7
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date August 2019


Located between Alden and Williams, this deck girder bridge crosses the South Fork of the Iowa River just west of B Avenue.
Built in 1931 and 1952, the bridge consists of a two span deck plate girder, set onto concrete substructures. Two plaques on the east span identify the build date of 1931, as well as McClintic-Marshall as the builder. However, the west span was reportedly built in 1952.
It is unknown why one span was installed here in 1952. However, it looks very similar to the 1931 span, possibly indicating it was relocated here.
This type of bridge is excellent for crossing small streams like this. It is easy to construct and easy to maintain. It appears the east span of the bridge was completed after McClintic-Marshall merged with Bethlehem Steel in 1931.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with no significant defects noted.

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

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Plaque
Contractor Plaque
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele