This large four span through truss bridge once crossed the Raccoon River at Booneville.
Originally built in 1900 to replace a similar structure, the bridge featured a quartet of riveted Quadrangular Through Truss spans set onto concrete substructures.
As first built, the bridge had no approach spans. However, this changed after the original west abutment became undermined.
A temporary series of trestle jump spans were added, and were replaced with a more modern I-Beam span in 2014.
These I-Beam spans foreshadowed the eventual replacement of the largest truss bridge on the IAIS (with the exception of the Arsenal Bridge in Davenport).
Overall, the bridge remains in good condition. Unfortunately, Iowa Interstate has designated this bridge (and every truss along their route) as needing replacement. The eventual goal is believed to be to be able to haul wind turbine blades.
While from an operational standpoint, the author understands how the bridges are bottlenecks; the author hopes that IAIS becomes more aware of the history they own, and find a way to sell these trusses to be reused as trails or smaller railroads.
Unfortunately, the bridge was completely demolished in the summer of 2020. Today, all that remains is the new I-Beam bridge, which was constructed on the downstream side.
The author has ranked the bridge as being regionally significant, due to the unique design of the bridge and number of spans.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge could be accessed from a parallel county road.
| Upstream (N. Raccoon River) | Adel Trail Bridge |
| Upstream (S. Raccoon River) | Coon Rapids Rail Bridge |
| Downstream | UP Raccoon River Bridge Hollingsworth Spur |
