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| Name | RCP&E Redwater River Bridge Chicago & North Western Railway Bridge #3000 |
| Built By | Chicago & North Western Railway |
| Currently Owned By | Rapid City, Pierre & Eastern Railroad |
| Superstructure Contractor | American Bridge Company of New York |
| Length | 435 Feet Total, 65 Foot Main Span |
| Width | 1 Track |
| Height Above Ground | 10 Feet (Estimated) |
| Superstructure Design | Through Plate Girder and Timber Pile Trestle |
| Substructure Design | Timber Pile |
| Date Built | 1910 |
| Traffic Count | Less than 1 Train/Day (Estimated) |
| Current Status | In Use |
| Chicago & North Western Railway Bridge Number | 3000 |
| Significance | Local Significance |
| Documentation Date | 7/16/2017 |
In 1909, the Belle Fourche Valley Railway Company (BFVR) began construction on a 24 mile line, extending from Belle Fourche, South Dakota to Newell, South Dakota. Work would be completed in 1910, and an extension was planned to Philip, South Dakota. The construction was began but suspended, and the railroad came under control of the Chicago & North Western Railway (C&NW) in 1914. The railroad would be purchased outright by the C&NW in 1920. The C&NW had constructed and acquired a large number of lines in the Midwest, and operated this route as a branch line. An additional 12 miles would be constructed to Vale, South Dakota in 1927. By 1966, traffic had dwindled on the route, and it would be abandoned. Today, much of the former right-of-way is owned by adjacent landowners.
Located in Belle Fourche, this through plate girder bridge crosses the Redwater River along US Highway 212. The previous bridge here was likely a timber trestle bridge. In 1910, the bridge was rebuilt with a 65-foot through plate girder span, set onto timber pile piers. The girder would be approached by 12 spans of timber pile trestle on the south, and 30 spans on the north. The girder span features tapered edges, typical of C&NW through girder spans. This design 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 to the timber components of the bridge. Currently, the bridge is used sparingly for car storage along the spur. The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
Citations
| Build Date | Chicago & North Western Valuation Notes at the Chicago & North Western Historical Society Archives |
| Builder | Missing American Bridge Company plaque |
| Railroad History Citation | ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele |