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UP IA-415 Bridge

I-Beam and Trestle Bridge over IA-415 (2nd Avenue)
Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name UP IA-415 Bridge
Built By Des Moines & Central Iowa Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Union Pacific Railroad
Length 185 Feet Total, 32 Foot Main Spans
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 13 Feet 4 Inches
Superstructure Type I-Beam and Trestle
Substructure Type Timber Pile
Date Built 1942
Traffic Count 4 Trains/Week (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
UP Bridge Number 4.10
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date September 2017


This overpass carries a spur track from the former Ankeny Subdivision over 2nd Avenue, on the north side of Des Moines.
Reportedly built in 1942 to replace a similar structure, the bridge consists of dual main spans, and trestle approaches. The entire structure sits on wooden substructures.
Being so low, this bridge restricts trucks from using 2nd Avenue. In 2012, a truck hit a beam of the bridge, causing damage.
When built, it is likely modern trucks were not taken into consideration. However, when I-35/I-80 opened just north of this location, the bridge became an issue.

Overall, the bridge is in good condition. The author has ranked it as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be accessed from the road below.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date 1992 National Bridge Inventory