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Saint Cloud Rail Bridge

Pratt Deck Truss Bridge over Mississippi River
St. Cloud, Stearns County, Minnesota

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name Saint Cloud Rail Bridge
Built By Great Northern Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By BNSF Railway
Length 693 Feet Total, 170 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 55 Feet (Estimated)
Type Reinforced Pin Connected Pratt Deck Truss
Date Built 1892, Reinforced 1922
Traffic Count 2 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
GN Bridge Number 10
Significance Moderate Significance


The BNSF Mississippi River Crossing at St. Cloud is one of the more impressive structures north of the Twin Cities over the Mississippi.

The bridge was first built 1885, later rebuilt in 1892. Today, it remains partially changed.
The bridge contains 4 spans of Pratt Deck Truss, each with 9 panels and pinned connections.

One of these changes is the extra bracing, added in 1922 as trains became heavier.

In addition, pier #5 was encased with cement in 1944. The remaining substructures are made of stone.

The author has ranked the bridge as moderately significant, because of the age and the unique modifications, which add to the historic value of this structure.
The photo above is looking from St. Germain Street

Mississippi River River Railroad Bridges

Upstream Soo Line Bridge at Blanchard
Downstream Camden Place Rail Bridge


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