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DM&E Little Cottonwood River Bridge

Through Plate Girder Bridge over Little Cottonwood River
Cambria, Blue Earth County, Minnesota

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name DM&E Little Cottonwood River Bridge
Built By Chicago & North Western Railway
Contractor American Bridge Company of New York
Currently Owned By Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad
Length 445 Feet Total, 95 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 8 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Through Plate Girder and Trestle
Substructure Type Concrete and Steel Pile
Date Built 1918
Dates Rebuilt 2012 and 2014
Traffic Count 5 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
Bridge Number M-1687
Significance Local Significance


Located west of Judson, this bridge crosses the Little Cottonwood River.
Built in 1918, the bridge was constructed to replace an older wooden trestle. This new bridge featured a single through girder span, along with trestle approaches.
Since the original construction, significant improvements have been made to the bridge. In 2012, the two piers were encased in concrete, and in 2014 the approaches were replaced by modular spans. The remaining through girder span may have also been upgraded at this time.
Overall, the bridge remains in good condition. Significant improvements have increased the lifespan of this bridge.

The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.

The photo above is looking west along the 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