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UP Little White Breast Creek Bridge

Deck Plate Girder Bridge over Little White Breast Creek
Chariton, Lucas County, Iowa

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Name UP Little White Breast Creek Bridge
Built By Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Union Pacific Railroad
Length 240 Feet Total, 100 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 50 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Deck Plate Girder
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1912, Approaches Added Later
Traffic Count 10 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
Bridge Number 26.00
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date February 2021


View an article about the construction of this route.

Located north of Chariton, this massive deck girder bridge crosses Little White Breast Creek and 252nd Trail.
Built in 1912, the bridge consists of three massive deck plate girder spans, set onto concrete substructures. The bridge spans also utilize a ballasted deck, which may or may not be original to the structure.
There are several massive bridges like this between Carlisle and Allerton. This span is particularly interesting, due to the 100 foot length of the main span. There are several 100 foot spans along this route, all of which are rather long for deck girder spans.
Originally, the bridge was approached by trestle. The approach girders were apparently added at a later date, possibly in the 1920s or 1930s.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with minimal deterioration noted. This location is rather scenic, and the bridge makes for an impressive backdrop.

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

Citations

Source Type

Source

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