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| Name | Clinton Falls Railroad Crossing Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Bridge #2878 |
| Built By | Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway |
| Currently Owned By | Union Pacific Railroad |
| Superstructure Contractor | Unknown |
| Substructure Contractor | Unknown |
| Length | 163 Feet Total, 78 Foot Main Span |
| Width | 1 Track |
| Height Above Ground | 25 Feet (Estimated) |
| Superstructure Design | Through Plate Girder, Deck Plate Girder and Steel Stringer |
| Substructure Design | Stone Masonry and Concrete |
| Date Built | 1902 |
| Traffic Count | 10 Trains/Day (Estimated) |
| Current Status | Open to Traffic |
| Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Bridge Number | 2878 |
| Union Pacific Railroad Bridge Number | 287.80 |
| Significance | Local Significance |
| Documentation Date | 11/25/2017 |
In 1900, the Burlington, Cedar Rapids and Northern Railway (BCR&N) sought to construct a new line between their existing system in Iowa and the Twin Cities in Minnesota. The first 44 miles between Mason City, Iowa and Albert Lea, Minnesota would be constructed in 1900, with an additional 54 miles constructed between Albert Lea and Comus, Minnesota in 1901. Between Comus and Rosemont, the BCR&N would use existing tracks owned by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway (Milwaukee Road). From Rosemont to Inver Grove Junction, an additional 11 miles of track would be constructed in 1901. In 1903, the BCR&N was purchased by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway (Rock Island). The Rock Island operated this route as a mainline, and it formed the northern portion of the Kansas City-Des Moines-St. Paul "Spine Line".
Due to regular financial hardship, the maintenance on this line was often deferred. In March 1980, the Rock Island ceased all operations, and its lines were abandoned or sold to other railroads. The Chicago & North Western Railway (C&NW) and Soo Line both had interest in the Spine Line, with the C&NW eventually purchasing the route. During 1982 and 1983, significant money was allocated for rebuilding the deteriorated route, and trains began using the route. In 1995, C&NW was purchased by Union Pacific Railroad (UP). Union Pacific continues to operate this route as the Albert Lea Subdivision.
Located near Clinton Falls, this girder bridge carries the former Rock Island across the former Milwaukee Road. Built in 1902, the bridge consists of a single 78-foot 5-inch through plate girder span, approached by a 44-foot deck plate girder span on the south, and a 41-foot steel stringer span on the north end. The entire bridge rests on stone and concrete substructures. The main span of the bridge utilizes a series of parallel beams to create a ballast deck. The bridge is curved, superelevated and skewed. The north approach of the bridge was originally constructed with a deck plate girder, but it appears this span was replaced in approximately 1983, when the C&NW was upgrading the line. Additional repairs have been made throughout the bridge. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair condition, with some deterioration noted throughout the bridge. The railroad underneath the bridge is currently inactive, and has an uncertain future. The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
Citations
| Build Date | Construction of line |
| Railroad History Citation | ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele |