This small girder and trestle bridge is quite the gem hidden in Clive.
Originally built in 1889, the bridge was part of a large viaduct at Manning, Iowa. When that bridge was replaced in 1913 by the current structure, the spans were reused and one of them installed here in 1917.
The main span of this bridge is a half-through girder structure, approached by wooden trestle spans. The entire bridge rests on wooden substructures. The bridge was converted from a deck girder to a type "C3" girder in 1929.
Upon relocation, it appears that the bridge was heavily strengthened, and it was strengthened again in 1929.
Historic photo of the old Manning viaduct. This span is one of the circled spans
In 1991, the bridge was converted to pedestrian use, which it is still used for. However, the City of Clive is considering the replacement of this bridge, which has apparently been funded for project year 2022.
Overall, the bridge is in good condition. The author has ranked it as being moderately significant, due to the unusually old through girder span. This is one of the oldest railroad through girder spans known in the State of Iowa.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be accessed from nearby trails.