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Jay Cooke State Park Trail Bridge

Pratt Through Truss Bridge over St. Louis River
Thomson, Carlton County, Minnesota

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Name Jay Cooke State Park Trail Bridge
Built By Northern Pacific Railroad
Contractor American Bridge Company of New York
Currently Owned By Minnesota DNR
Length 155 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 88 Feet Total
Superstructure Type Pratt Through Truss
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built 1906
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is a Trail)
Current Status Rails to Trails
NP Bridge Number 131
Significance Moderate Significance

Located near Thomson, this bridge crosses the St. Louis River in Jay Cooke State Park.
Built in 1906 during a line change, the bridge features a single 6-panel, pin connected Pratt Through Truss. This truss rests on stone abutments.
The bridge crosses the river at an extremely scenic area. Jagged outcroppings of rocks create an area of rapids for the river.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. With proper maintenance, it should continue to serve trail use for many years to come.

The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the truss design.
The photo above is an overview.

St. Louis River Railroad Bridges
Upstream Lower Dunlap Island Rail Bridge
Upstream Upper Dunlap Island Rail Bridge
East Channel Forbay Canal Trail Bridge
Downstream Oliver Bridge

Citations

Source Type

Source
Build Date American Bridge Company plaque
Contractor American Bridge Company plaque
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele


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