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C&NW Bridge #294.99

Stone Arch Bridge over Unnamed Drainage Ditch
Allison, Butler County, Iowa

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name C&NW Bridge #294.99
Built By Chicago Great Western Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Butler County
Length 5 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 5 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Stone Arch
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built Ca. 1900
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is a Trail)
Current Status Rails to Trails
C&NW Bridge Number 294.99
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date February 2020


Located on the west side of Allison, this small stone arch bridge crosses a field drainage ditch and cattle pass.
It is unknown when this bridge was built, although it was likely between 1898 and 1900. During this time, the CGW build hundreds of stone arches to replace trestle bridges. Many of these arches were very standardized, and built within only a few days. This structure is no exception.
Like most CGW arches, this one shows signs of wear and tear. It is unknown why CGW arches have a high rate of failure, but it may be related to the stone source. While not as severe as many others, the stones are beginning to loosen on both the arch ring and the head walls.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition. The bridge currently is used by the Rolling Prairie Trail.

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

Citations

Source Type

Source

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