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| Name | UP Straight River Bridge #4 Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Bridge #2841 |
| Built By | Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway |
| Currently Owned By | Union Pacific Railroad |
| Superstructure Contractor | Unknown |
| Substructure Contractor | Unknown |
| Length | 200 Feet |
| Width | 1 Track |
| Height Above Ground | 10 Feet (Estimated) |
| Superstructure Design | Deck Plate Girder |
| Substructure Design | Stone Masonry Concrete |
| Date Built | 1902 |
| Traffic Count | 10 Trains/Day (Estimated) |
| Current Status | Open to Traffic |
| Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Bridge #2841 | |
| Union Pacific Railroad Bridge #284.10 | |
| Significance | Local |
| Documentation Date | 9/25/2011; 9/18/2016 |
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 Morehouse in Owatonna, this deck plate girder bridge is the fourth crossing of the Straight River along this route. Built in 1903, the bridge features five 40-foot standard deck plate girder spans, set onto stone substructures, which have been capped with concrete. This bridge is one of several similar bridges across the Straight River in this area. The Rock Island standard 40-foot deck plate girder was shallower than the standard 44-foot span, which was used at several crossings of the Straight River. This style of bridge was commonly used by railroads throughout the United States, as it was durable and easy to construct. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair condition, with some deterioration noted throughout the bridge. In addition, significant amounts of flood debris have become trapped in the internal bracing of the bridge. 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 |