logo

IAIS Tributary of Fourmile Creek Arch

Stone Arch Bridge over Tributary of Fourmile Creek
Altoona, Polk County, Iowa

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name IAIS Tributary of Fourmile Creek Arch
Built By Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Iowa Interstate Railroad
Length 4 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 5 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Stone Arch
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built Ca. 1880
Traffic Count 5 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
IAIS Bridge Number Unknown
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date April 2017


This standard stone arch bridge crosses Little Fourmile Creek in Altoona.
Built in approximately 1880, this bridge features a single stone arch span with stepped and angled wing walls.
One of the worst train wrecks in Iowa history happened nearby in August 1877 during a flood, and many other bridges were destroyed. During the accident, a stone arch completely washed out. This indicates that this bridge was likely built either before 1877, or immediately after.
Unfortunately, any records able to confirm the build date for this arch are likely destroyed. The Rock Island was particularly notorious for bad record keeping.

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

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Estimated based on similar bridges
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele