logo

Getchell Creek Trail Bridge

Deck Plate Girder Bridge over Getchell Creek
Freeport, Stearns County, Minnesota

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Getchell Creek Trail Bridge
Built By Great Northern Railway
Contractor (Main Span) Wisconsin Bridge & Iron Company of Milwaukee
Contractor (West Approach) American Bridge Company of New York
Currently Owned By Minnesota DNR
Length 110 Feet Total, 80 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track, 2 Trail Lanes
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Deck Girder and Steel Stringer
Date Erected 1941
Date Fabricated 1918 (West Approach), 1921 (Main Span), 1941 (East Approach)
Original Location (West Approach) Bridge #1; Dean, Washington
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is a Trail)
Current Status Rails To Trails
BN Bridge Number 101.2
Significance Local Significance


Located between Freeport and Albany, this deck girder bridge has a unique history.
Originally, the bridge was built in 1921 with the main span set onto wooden piers and trestle approaches. When it was determined that the timber was quickly decaying, the bridge was replaced.
In 1941, the bridge was completely rebuilt. The main span was retained, but a new west approach was moved from Bridge #1 at Dean, Washington. Dean was a small station south of Chattaroy, in Spokane County Washington. The east approach was built new at this location.
The entire bridge rests on concrete substructures. The use of secondhand material is common for railroads, to keep costs low.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition.

The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the newer age.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Erection Date Date Stamp
Relocation History Great Northern Railway Historical Society Archives
Main Span Fabrication Date/Contractor Wisconsin Bridge & Iron Company plaque
Approach Span Fabrication Date/Contractor American Bridge Company plaque
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele