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Johnston Trail Bridge

Deck Plate Girder Bridge over Beaver Creek
Johnston, Polk County, Iowa

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Name Johnston Trail Bridge
Built By Des Moines & Central Iowa Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By City of Johnston
Length 323 Feet Total, 35 Foot Main Spans
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Deck Girder and Trestle
Substructure Type Timber Pile
Date Built Ca. 1906
Date Collapsed March 2019
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is a Trail)
Current Status Collapsed, Awaiting Repairs
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date September 2017


This small trestle structure carries the Trestle to Trestle Trail across Beaver Creek in Johnston.
Reportedly built in 1906 as part of an opening of a new line, the bridge consists of a pair of deck girders, set onto wooden piers. The bridge is approached by wooden trestle spans.
It is unknown when the deck girders were built, although it seems fairly certain that the girders were moved from elsewhere.
In approximately 2000, the bridge was converted to pedestrian use, which it was used for many years. Unfortunately, the bridge collapsed due to a ice jam in March 2019. It is unknown if the bridge will be replaced eventually.

Overall, the bridge is in good condition. The author has ranked it as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview. As of March 2021, the bridge has still not been replaced.

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Build Date Estimated based on construction of line