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Emerson Rail Bridge

Deck Plate Girder Bridge over Indian Creek
Emerson, Mills County, Iowa

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Name Emerson Rail Bridge
Built By Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad
Contractor American Bridge Company of New York
Currently Owned By BNSF Railway
Length 155 Feet Total, 60 Foot Main Span
Width 2 Tracks
Height Above Ground 10 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Deck Plate Girder
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1904
Traffic Count 50 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
BNSF Bridge Number 451.49
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date October 2015


This simple deck girder bridge crosses Indian Creek at Emerson, Iowa.
Built in 1904, the bridge consists of three deck girder spans, set onto concrete substructures. It appears little has been changed with the bridge since it was constructed, except for the replacement of the deck with a ballasted deck.
This design of bridge is common for creeks and rivers, due to the ease of construction and maintenance.
Overall, the bridge appears to be well maintained and in good condition.

Historic Photo
Historic photo of the bridge

The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The bridge sits next to old US-34, now County H34, near the junction with US-59. The photo above is looking east along the bridge.

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