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IAIS Ralston Creek Bridge

Concrete Arch Bridge over Ralston Creek
Iowa City, Johnson County, Iowa

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name IAIS Ralston Creek Bridge
Built By Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Iowa Interstate Railroad
Length 62 Feet Total, 31 Foot Spans
Width 2 Tracks, 1 in Use
Height Above Ground 30 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Concrete Arch
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1901
Traffic Count 6 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
IAIS Bridge Number 2368
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date August 2013 and January 2018


One of the weirder bridges in Iowa City is this massive two span concrete crosses Ralston Creek.
Built in 1901, the arch has a weird appearance. The massive center pier provides a unique appearance to this bridge.
Otherwise, the bridge has little notable differences from other arches. The build date of 1901 is assumed, from when the Rock Island double tracked this line. It also may be possible this is an encased stone arch bridge.
Overall, this bridge remains in good condition.

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

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Based on widening of route
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele