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DM&E Des Moines River Bridge (Ottumwa)

Warren Through Truss Bridge over Des Moines River
Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa

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Name DM&E Des Moines River Bridge (Ottumwa)
Built By Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway
Contractor Unknown (Possibly Minneapolis Steel & Machinery Company)
Currently Owned By Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad
Length 825 Feet Total, 144 Foot Spans
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Warren Through Truss and Trestle
Substructure Type Concrete and Timber Pile
Date Built 1911
Traffic Count 8 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
MILW Bridge Number I-418
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date March 2020


Located in Ottumwa, this large through truss bridge crosses the main channel of the Des Moines River to Turkey Island.
Built in 1911 to replace an older 1887 bridge, this structure features four 144 foot long riveted Warren Through Truss spans. These spans are approached by a trestle on the west end. The bridge rests on concrete substructures.
The previous bridge had three spans relocated to other locations. Two were reused at Eau Claire, Wisconsin, while another was relocated to Bridge #H-716
Currently, the bridge is the one of the largest structures along the Davenport-Kansas City line. A second bridge over the east channel of the river exists nearby.
The members on the bridge are massive and laced, while the portal bracing is an A-frame shape. Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, and has little significant deterioration noted.

The author has rated the bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design.
The photo above is an overview. The photo below shows the portal bracing on the bridge.

Des Moines River Railroad Bridges
Upstream BNSF Four Mile Bridge
Downstream Wabash Bridge



Detail Photos

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date American Bridge Company plaque
Contractor American Bridge Company plaque
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele