This beautiful stone arch bridge is the highlight of railroad bridges in Jefferson County. Built in 1902, the beautiful stone arches have lasted the test of time and continue to serve trains in Watertown.
The bridge here was built in 1902, likely to replace an older truss type bridge.
The project to build a new bridge at Watertown required the use of four large stone arches. These arches were constructed entirely of stone, as comparison to arches from the same era, including one near Oconomowoc.
It appears the arches were constructed on concrete footings, which are likely set onto wooden pilings driven well beneath the surface of the bridge.
In addition, the bridge contains a very detailed stonework. Date inscriptions for the bridge are set below the arches on the concrete foundations.
Historic photo of the bridge
This bridge has been involved with the high speed rail discussion. Fortunately, it is in such good condition that it would be able to serve high speed trains through Watertown. Presently, it does serve passenger traffic.
The only notable alteration made to the bridge is the pipe railings, which were likely added at a later date; perhaps around the 1920s. Unfortunately, these do detract slightly from the beauty of the bridge.
With a river as notorious for flooding as the Rock; it is nothing short of amazing that the bridge is in such a great condition. Some minor chips on the arch ring are noted, but not a cause for concern.
The author has ranked this bridge as being regionally significant; due to the rarity of a multiple arch design in the midwest. The nearest 3+ stone arch is the massive Stone Arch Bridge in Minneapolis.
Also considered in this rating is the wonderful condition that this bridge is in. As part of the Milwaukee Road's core mainline from Chicago-Milwaukee-Twin Cities; this arch undoubtedly saw the best upkeep.
The photo above is an overview. The author hopes to return for more photos in the near future.
| Upstream | CP Rock River Bridge (East Watertown) |
| Downstream | UP Rock River Bridge (Watertown) |