BNSF Hennepin Canal Bridge (Colona)

Located in Colona, this through plate bridge carries the former CB&Q across the Hennepin Canal and Hennepin Canal Parkway Trail. Between 1890 and 1907, the United States Government constructed the Illinois & Mississippi Canal, later renamed the Hennepin Canal, to connect the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. The new canal and feeder canal would require eight railroad bridges and sixty-three roadway bridges. Between 1903 and 1904, significant portions of the canal would be constructed in Colona, and a bridge carrying the CB&Q would be required. After discussions about possibly realigning the railroad, the United States Government reached an agreement with the CB&Q to construct a new bridge, and construction on the bridge was completed in late 1904. The bridge consists of a 82-foot single track through plate girder span, set onto concrete abutments. The girder span was fabricated by the Wisconsin Bridge & Iron Company, which was a moderate sized fabricator of bridges. This bridge utilizes a standard CB&Q design, with deep tapered edges and a floor constructed of parallel floorbeams. 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 no significant deterioration noted. The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.