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Falls Park Rail Bridge

Girder Bridge over Big Sioux River and Sioux Falls
Sioux Falls, Minnehaha County, South Dakota

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Falls Park Rail Bridge
Built By Great Northern Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By BNSF Railway
Length 680 Feet Total, 52 Foot Main Spans
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 40 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Through Girder and I-Beam
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1902 and 1947
Traffic Count 4 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
BNSF Bridge Number 0.2
Significance Local Significance


While it may not be the most unique bridge in the area, this massive bridge crosses a local landmark.
Crossing above Sioux Falls, the bridge features 8 through girder spans and a number of I-Beam spans.
Originally, the bridge consisted of three Howe Truss spans. However, these were replaced in 1902.
In 1947, a series of eight secondhand I-Beams were relocated from an unknown location. These took the place of a large wooden trestle.
It is presently unknown where the eight I-Beams would be relocated from, or when they were originally constructed.
The entire bridge rests on concrete substructures. The bridge is one of the more iconic structures in Sioux Falls.
Overall, the bridge remains in good condition. It's immediate future is clouded, due to plans to relocate freight routes away from the town center.

Historic Photo
Historic photo of the previous bridge

The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the newer age and common design.
The photo above is an overview of the bridge. It can easily be accessed from the surrounding park.

Big Sioux River Railroad Bridges
Upstream IC Big Sioux River Bridge
Downstream BNSF Big Sioux River Bridge/td>

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Great Northern Railway AFE list
I-Beam Build Date Date Stamp
Relocation Information Great Northern Railway AFE list
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele