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Fairfield Stone Arch

Stone Arch Bridge over Crow Creek
Fairfield, Jefferson County, Iowa

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Name Fairfield Stone Arch
Built By Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By City of Fairfield
Length 40 Feet (Estimated)
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 30 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Stone Arch
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built Ca. 1880
Traffic Count 0 Trains/Day (Bridge is a Trail)
Current Status Rails to Trails
Significance Moderate Significance
Documentation Date March 2017


This massive stone arch bridge crosses Crow Creek in Fairfield.
Built in approximately 1880, the bridge features a single stone arch span, set onto stone substructures. In 1946, it was replaced by a two span concrete box culvert on a new alignment.
There is some confusion as to the date of the bridge. Bridgehunter.com lists the bridge as having been constructed in 1871, which is indeed possible. However, the bridge was much more likely constructed in the late 1870s or early 1880s.
Currently, the bridge serves as a small loop of the Fairfield Loop Trail. It has since become a landmark to the area.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with minor deterioration seen throughout the structure. Unfortunately, no records for the bridge could be located.

The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the large take on a common design.
The photo above is an overview.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Estimated
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele