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DAIR Bridge #T-492.5

Deck Plate Girder Bridge over Unnamed Creek
Westfield, Plymouth County, Iowa

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Name DAIR Bridge #T-492.5
Built By Chicago, Milwaukee St. Paul & Pacific Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By D&I Railroad
Length 58 Feet Total, 30 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 3 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Deck girder and Trestle
Substructure Type Timber Pile
Date Built 1943 using a Ca. 1900 Span
Traffic Count 2 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
DAIR Bridge Number T-492.5
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date September 2021


Located in Westfield, this small girder bridge crosses an unnamed tributary of Westfield Creek.
Little is known about the history of this bridge. Built in 1943, it appears that the bridge was constructed with secondhand materials.
The main span of this bridge is exceptionally light, and features a twinned girder design. It appears that it may date to approximately 1900. The girder span is approached by a trestle span on either side, and the bridge sits on timber piers.
Spans like this were commonly used due to the ease of construction. On this route, several steel spans were moved from other locations to replace deteriorated trestles.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair condition, with no major deterioration visible.

The author has ranked this 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