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UP Boone River Bridge

Deck Plate Girder Bridge over Boone River
South of Renwick, Wright County, Iowa

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name UP Boone River Bridge
Built By Chicago & North Western Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Union Pacific Railroad
Length 245 Feet Total, 45 Foot Spans
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 15 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Deck Plate Girder and Trestle
Substructure Type Stone Masonry and Timber Pile
Date Built 1902
Traffic Count 2 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
C&NW Bridge Number 723
UP Bridge Number 61.45
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date March 2020


Located southeast of Renwick, this large deck girder bridge crosses the Boone River.
Built in 1902, the bridge consists of three spans of deck plate girder, set onto stone substructures, including a large stone south abutment. In addition, the bridge is approached by 9 spans of timber trestle on the north end. The bridge is typical for this era, and no alterations have been made to the steel or stone since the original construction.
This type of bridge is commonly used to cross creeks and roads. In particular, large multi-span structures such as this are favorites for larger creeks and rivers. This is due to the ease of construction and the limited maintenance required.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Even the wooden trestle approaches show signs of health.

The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Chicago & North Western Railway Historical Society Archives
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele