This large Warren Through Truss bridge crosses the South Skunk River near the former town of Metz.
Originally built in approximately 1905 at an unknown location, the main span features a riveted Warren Through Truss with 6 panels. This span rests on concrete piers.
The original bridge at this location was a Quadrangular Through Truss, which may have been reused at another location.
These I-Beams were likely extra spans stored around the area. Built by American Bridge Company, a sample of plaques include dates of 1939 and 1945. It is believed the truss was moved here in approximately 1945.
During the early 1940s, the Rock Island spent a fortune rebuilding track in eastern Iowa. A number of identical trusses existed, but were later moved to new locations.
In addition to other features, the bridge has a ballasted deck, which is common on former Rock Island structures.
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the small number of trusses in the area.
Iowa Interstate Railroad has begun a replacement plan to remove and replace all the existing trusses along their lines. The first bridge of the replacement plan was replaced in 2017.
The author is genuinely concerned with this plan, as it would remove a considerable amount of transportation heritage from the area.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | South Skunk River Trail Bridge |
| Downstream | Oskaloosa Rail Bridge |