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The Arches Railroad Bridge

Double Stone Arch Bridge over County Road 12 and Peterson Creek
Near Lewiston, Winona County, Minnesota

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name The Arches Railroad Bridge
Built By Chicago & North Western Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railway
Length 80 Feet Total, 35 Foot Spans
Width 2 Tracks, 1 In Use
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Stone Arch
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built 1882
Traffic Count 5 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
DM&E Bridge Number M-32
Significance Moderate Significance


This bridge is a southeastern Minnesota Landmark. Known as The Arches Railroad Bridge, it graces Peterson Creek and County Road 12 with two stone arches.
Built in 1882, this year was during a time of intense rebuilding through the area. The previous structure here was likely a trestle structure.
Some unique features of the structure include the stepped wing walls, and the massive arches. These arches are composed of limestone which is not mortared together, but instead is grooved together.
In addition, the structure retains excellent historic integrity. Minimal decay to the structure was noted during a field visit in 2015.
This structure has been rated by the author as being moderately significant, as the double stone arch is an uncommon design for Minnesota. However, it is more common on Chicago & North Western lines.

The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

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