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| Name | UP Wolf Creek Arch Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Bridge #S-296 |
| Built By | Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway |
| Currently Owned By | Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited |
| Length | 18 Feet Total |
| Width | 1 Track |
| Height Above Ground | 20 Feet (Estimated) |
| Superstructure Design | Stone and Brick Arch |
| Substructure Design | Stone Masonry |
| Date Built | 1896 |
| Traffic Count | 10 Trains/Day (Estimated) |
| Current Status | Open to Traffic |
| Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Bridge Number | S-296 |
| Significance | Local Significance |
| Documentation Date | 1/15/2012; 10/30/2015 |
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 south of Dundas, this stone and brick arch bridge crosses Wolf Creek. The previous bridge here was likely a timber trestle. In 1896, the present bridge was constructed. The arch consists of a single 18-foot stone faced arch. The ceiling inside of the arch is constructed of attractive brown brick. A concrete lining was added to the base of the arch walls at some point, likely prior to 1950. While the Milwaukee Road constructed numerous arches throughout its system, relatively few utilized a stone and brick design, such as this. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair condition, with some deterioration noted, particularly along the south abutment. The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the smaller size.
Citations
| Build Date | Milwaukee Road Archives Drawing Collection at the Milwaukee Public Library |
| Railroad History Citation | ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele |