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Rock Falls Stone Arch (South)

Stone Arch Bridge over Tributary of Shell Rock River
Rock Falls, Cerro Gordo County, Iowa

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Name Rock Falls Stone Arch (South)
Built By Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway
Quarry Cedar Valley Quarry of Cedar Valley, Iowa
Engineer Elmer J.C. Bealer
Currently Owned By Iowa Northern Railroad
Length 36 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Stone Arch
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built Ca. 1895
Traffic Count 3 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date December 2020


Located approximately a mile south of Rock Falls on the banks of the Shell Rock River, this large stone arch bridge crosses an unnamed creek just south of 295th Street.
It is unknown for certain when the arch was built, although the stonework suggests the mid 1890s. However, other stone arches in the area date to the mid-1880s.
Regardless, this is one of several large arches along the Manly-Burlington line. Unlike some of the arches, this one consists of a single stone arch span, with long parapet abutments and no wing walls. Unfortunately, no date could be found on the bridge.
The author will continue to research this structure, as it is one of the largest single span stone arches in Iowa.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with no major deterioration noted. The bases of the arch have been lined with concrete, to prevent scour.

The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the large scale size.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

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