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PGR MN-3 Bridge (Inver Grove Heights)

Steel Stringer Bridge over Minnesota Highway 3
Inver Grove Heights, Dakota County, Minnesota

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name PGR MN-3 Bridge (Inver Grove Heights)
Built By Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railway
Contractor Unknown
Currently Owned By Canadian Pacific Railway
Currently Operated By Progressive Rail, Inc
Length 139 Feet Total, 45 Foot Main Span
Width 1 Track
Height Above Ground 14 Feet 5 Inches
Superstructure Type Steel Stringer and Trestle
Substructure Type Concrete and Timber Pile
Date Built 1921
Traffic Count 1 Train/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use
MILW Bridge Number S-326.5
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date March 2020


Located between Eagan and Inver Grove Heights, this bridge crosses Roberts Trail (MN-3) near its junction with Jefferson Trail (MN-149).
Built in 1921, the bridge features a single I-Beam span, set onto concrete piers. It is approached by trestle spans on both sides.
At one time, this route was US Highway 218. In 1935, that route was shortened, and the road became Minnesota Highway 218. In 1961, the route became part of MN-3.
This design of bridge is common for the early highway period in Minnesota. A similar structure once existed near Rosemount, although that bridge has since been replaced. A smaller version of this bridge can be seen along I-35 south of Faribault.
Great care must be taken when visiting this structure. Highway 3 is a very busy road, and when I visited this bridge, traffic made for a very uncomfortable experience.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Despite this, it could possibly be a target for replacement in the near future, considering sight and height issues.

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 National Bridge Inventory
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele