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New Munich Rail Bridge

Warren Deck Truss Bridge over Sauk River
New Munich, Stearns County, Minnesota

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name New Munich Rail Bridge
Built By Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste. Marie Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Stearns County
Length 210 Feet Total, 95 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 40 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Warren Deck Truss and Trestle
Substructure Type Concrete and Timber Pile
Date Built 1908
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is Closed)
Current Status Closed to All Traffic
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date April 2012


Located west of the small town of New Munch, this large deck truss bridge crosses the Sauk River.
Originally built in 1908, the bridge features a single Warren Deck Truss, with riveted connections and 10 panels. The truss sits on concrete piers, and is approached by trestle spans on either side.
This style of truss was commonly used by this particular railroad company. Numerous examples were built between 1901 and 1917, many of which still exist. It is unknown what company was contracted to fabricate the bridge, but it was likely American Bridge Company or Minneapolis Steel & Machinery Company.
Unfortunately, this bridge is extremely overgrown and is still closed to all traffic. It is planned to be reopened in the future as part of the Dairyland Trail.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with little serious deterioration.

The author has ranked the bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design.
The photo above is an overview. The author intends to return to this bridge for more photos in the future.

Citations

Source Type

Source

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