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| Name | UP Straight River Bridge #7 Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Bridge #2979 |
| Built By | Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway |
| Currently Owned By | Union Pacific Railroad |
| Superstructure Contractor | American Bridge Company of New York |
| Substructure Contractor | Unknown |
| Length | 132 Feet Total, 44 Foot Spans |
| Width | 1 Track |
| Height Above Ground | 20 Feet (Estimated) |
| Superstructure Design | Deck Plate Girder |
| Substructure Design | Concrete |
| Date Built | 1903 |
| Traffic Count | 10 Trains/Day (Estimated) |
| Current Status | Open to Traffic |
| Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad Bridge Number | 2979 |
| Union Pacific Railroad Bridge Number | 297.90 |
| Significance | Local Significance |
| Documentation Date | 1/15/2012 |
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 south of Faribault, this deck plate girder bridge is the seventh crossing of the Straight River along this route. Built in 1903, the bridge features three 44-foot standard deck plate girder spans, set onto concrete substructures. This bridge is one of several similar bridges across the Straight River in this area. The 44-foot deck plate girder was a standard span for the Rock Island, being used in hundreds of locations. However, it is unknown why this particular bridge used concrete, when some others along this route used stone. 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. 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 |