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CP Oconomowoc River Bridge #3

Concrete Arch Bridge over Oconomowoc River
North Lake, Waukesha County, Wisconsin

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name CP Oconomowoc River Bridge #3
Built By Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Canadian Pacific Railway
Length 32 Feet Total
Width 2 Tracks, 1 In Use
Height Above Ground 17 Feet
Superstructure Type Stone Lined Concrete Arch
Substructure Type Stone Masonry and Concrete
Date Built 1902
Traffic Count 50 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
CP Bridge Number C-64
Significance Local Significance


This small concrete and stone arch bridge crosses the Oconomowoc River east of Oconomowoc.
This bridge is an example of an early 1900s arch that was built as a concrete arch, but included a stone and brick lining. This stone lining is included because it makes the arch super strong on the outside, and the interior arch is constructed of brick.
Concrete oftentimes crumbles in the arch lining. Using stone creates a durable lining. In addition, the interior is lined with brick.
This bridge was built in 1902, likely to replace a truss. At this time; the line was double tracked. This bridge sits parallel to WI-16.

The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common nature of this design. However, the arch lining is a unique feature and a very innovative way to build a bridge that lasts.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

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Source

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