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IAIS Newton Stone Arch

Stone Arch Bridge over Unnamed Tributary of Cherry Creek
Newton, Jasper County, Iowa

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name IAIS Newton Stone Arch
Built By Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Iowa Interstate Railroad
Length 12 Feet Total
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 5 Feet (Estimated)
Superstructure Type Stone Arch
Substructure Type Stone Masonry
Date Built Ca. 1875
Traffic Count 5 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date February 2020


Located along Monroe Drive in Newton, this little stone arch has an unusual design feature.
Little is known about the history of this bridge, and it is likely that no concrete build date will ever be found. However, judging by the rest of this line, it is very likely that this bridge dates from the early to mid 1870s.
The arch is a unique shape, consisting of a very wide roof. Typically, arches fall into either a narrow roof design or a horseshoe shape. This bridge is closer to a horseshoe shape.
Unlike some of the arches along this route, this structure has retained a very high level of historic integrity. No significant grouting of the joints is present, and the only alteration is the concrete encasement on base, to prevent scour.
Overall, the bridge appears to be well maintained and in good condition. Unfortunately, no date carving can be found on the bridge.

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