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| Name | UP Cannon River Bridge Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Bridge #3019 |
| Built By | Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway |
| Currently Owned By | Union Pacific Railroad |
| Superstructure Contractor | American Bridge Company of New York |
| Length | 210 Feet Total, 110 Foot Main Span |
| Width | 1 Track |
| Height Above Ground | 30 Feet (Estimated) |
| Superstructure Design | Deck Plate Girder |
| Substructure Design | Stone Masonry and Concrete |
| Date Built | 1905 |
| Traffic Count | 10 Trains/Day (Estimated) |
| Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Bridge Number | 3019 |
| Union Pacific Railroad Bridge Number | Union Pacific Railroad Bridge #301.90 |
| Significance | Local Significance |
| Documentation Date | 1/15/2012; 6/10/2012 |
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 north of Faribault, this large deck plate girder bridge crosses the Cannon River. Built in 1905, the bridge features three deck plate girder spans, including a massive 110-foot span approached by a 50-foot span on either side. The bridge rests on stone substructures, which have been capped with concrete. In addition, the bridge sits on a substantial curve. While this line was constructed between 1901 and 1902, it appears that this bridge was a later addition. It is unknown if the previous bridge here was temporary, or if the main span is newer than the other spans. This style of bridge was very commonly used by railroads throughout the United States, as it was easy to construct and durable. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition, with no significant deterioration noted. The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
Citations
| Builder and build date | American Bridge Company plaque |
| Railroad History Citation | ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele |