The little electric short line would be named the Charles City Western, and would be operated until the Iowa Traction Railway purchased it in 1963.
The line switched to diesel engines in 1968 after the Charles City tornado demolished much of the wires. The remainder of the tracks were abandoned in 1986.
This decorative concrete arch crosses Sherman's Creek near the junction of Illinois Street and Grove Street.
Built in 1910 to connect the Charles City Western to Sherman Nursery, this concrete arch was designed by Marsh Engineering Company. Known for building durable arches with a decorative touch, Marsh was known for building road and interurban bridges.
While the other railroad arch to the north is in better condition, this one is largely in poor condition.
While Sherman Nursery closed in 2011, this bridge and other bridge, were left standing, as they are included on the National Register of Historic Places as contributing structures in a historic district.
Overall, this arch is in poor condition, with some serious concrete defects, such as the west abutment, which has completely failed. This bridge was likely taken out of service between 1960 and 1980.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.