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Woolstock Rail Bridge

Quadrangular Through Truss Bridge over Eagle Creek
Woolstock, Wright County, Iowa

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Name Woolstock Rail Bridge
Built By Chicago & North Western Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Union Pacific Railroad
Length 185 Feet
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 12 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Quadranglar Through Truss and Deck Plate Girder
Substructure Type Stone Masonry and Concrete
Date Built 1902, Approaches Added 1914
Traffic Count 3 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
UP Bridge Number 43.78
C&NW Bridge Number 2484
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date July 2012 and October 2017


Located near the town of Woolstock, this large bridge crosses Eagle Creek along County Road C70.
Originally built in 1902, the bridge originally featured a large Quadrangular Through Truss with laced endposts and a distinct M-frame portal. However, it was expanded in 1914, when deck girders were added to either side to replace trestles. The substructures of the bridge consist of concrete and stone.
Trusses like this were common in the Iowa Division, and were oftentimes built around 1902, during a time of rebuilding. The Quadrangular design was a favorite of the entire C&NW system, and many variations still exist today.
Currently, the bridge is operated by Union Pacific. It is highly visible from the nearby county road.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Little notable deterioration was found on the structure.

The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss 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