This bridge is a six span deck girder bridge over Bear Creek, and is the northern crossing in Shellsburg.
It has an American Bridge Company plate from 1903, a stone carving from 1902 on the abutment and a Lassig Bridge & Iron Works plate outline.
According to Iowa Northern Railroad, the bridge was made of spans from 1897, 1901 and 1903. It is unknown why the bridge was constantly changing, but could be related to flooding or the need for a larger bridge.
It is also possible that random relocated spans were added in 1903, when the bridge was constructed.
Iowa Northern rehabilitated this bridge in 2011, and it is in good condition today.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design; despite the unique building situation.
The photo above is looking from the south bank. Thank you to TIGER and Iowa Northern for the blueprints!