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Granite Falls Rail Bridge (North)

Warren Through Truss Bridge over Minnesota River Overflow
Granite Falls, Chippewa County, Minnesota

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Granite Falls Rail Bridge (North)
Built By St. Paul, Minneapolis & Manitoba Railway
Contractor American Bridge Company of New York
Currently Owned By BNSF Railway
Length 260 Feet Total, 144 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 10 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Warren Through Truss and Concrete Beam
Substructure Type Stone Masonry and Steel Pile
Date Built 1903, Approaches Built 2009
Traffic Count 15 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
BNSF Bridge Number 33.14
Significance Moderate Significance


This through truss was originally conjoined with the southern bridge at this location.
Built in 1902, the bridge features a single 8-panel riveted Warren Through Truss. Following a standardized design, this truss span is identical to several others along the Great Northern system.
In addition, this span sits on stone piers. Originally, it was approached by wooden trestle on the north, and connected to the main spans by trestle on the south. However, this trestle was filled and replaced by modular concrete spans in 2009, effectively forming two bridges.
At the time of construction, this bridge crossed a northern channel of the Minnesota River. This channel has gradually been pinched off, and today is little more than a dry riverbed. However, during periods of high water, this bridge crosses an active channel.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Recent upgrades have likely lengthened this bridges life for more years to come.

The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design.
The photo above is an overview.

Minnesota River Railroad Bridges
Upstream Marsh Lake Railroad Bridge
Main Channel Granite Falls Rail Bridge (South)
Downstream Morton Rail 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