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RCP&E Belle Fourche River Bridge

Through Plate Girder Bridge over Belle Fourche River
Belle Fourche, Butte County, South Dakota

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name RCP&E Belle Fourche River Bridge
Built By Chicago & North Western Railway
Contractor American Bridge Company of New York
Currently Owned By Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad
Length 345 Feet Total, 70 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Through Plate Girder and Concrete Beam
Substructure Type Concrete and Steel H-Pile
Date Built 1916, Approaches Replaced 2007
Traffic Count 1 Train/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
RCP&E Bridge Number H-313
Significance Local Significance


This standard through girder bridge crosses the Belle Fourche River in the town of Belle Fourche.
Built in 1916 to replace an older deck truss bridge, the bridge consists of a single through girder span. This span was once approached by trestle spans. However, these were replaced with modular concrete spans in 2007.
The entire bridge is supported by concrete substructures.
Overall, the bridge remains in good condition. The recent upgrades to the bridge should keep the structure healthy for many years to come.

Historic Photo
Historic photo of the previous bridge

The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge is easily accessed from a nearby trail.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Main Span Build Date Extension of the Belle Fourche Valley Railway
Main Span Builder Missing American Bridge Company Plaque
Approach Span Build Date Concrete Approach Date Stamp
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele