This standard through girder bridge was built in 1917 to cross Ioway (formerly Squaw) Creek.
The year before, the previous bridge was destroyed in a flood. In response, this structure was erected.
Using a standard through girder span, the bridge was set onto wooden substructures and approached by trestle spans.
Upon abandonment in 1985, the City of Ames purchased the line and the railroad grade and reused it as a trail.
The bridge stayed in use until a flood in 2010 destroyed the bridge. The flood knocked significant portions of the pier out of position causing the bridge to severely lean.
In 2012, the bridge was replaced with a modern pedestrian truss span. In 2020, that truss was removed, and an extension of Grand Avenue was constructed over the railroad grade.
The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common nature of the design. Despite the Local Significance rating, this bridge was a nice addition to the area.
The photo above is an overview of the bridge.