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UP 50th Street Tunnel

Concrete Arch Bridge over 50th Street
Omaha, Douglas County, Nebraska

Click the Photo Above to See All Photos of This Bridge!
Name UP 50th Street Tunnel
Built By Union Pacific Railroad
Engineer James Keys of Omaha, Nebraska
Contractor Kilpatrick Brothers & Collins Contracting Co. of Beatrice, Nebraska
Currently Owned By Union Pacific Railroad
Length 30 Feet Total
Width 3 Tracks, 2 In Use
Height Above Ground 11 Feet 0 Inches
Superstructure Type Concrete Arch
Substructure Type Concrete
Date Built 1906
Traffic Count 30 Trains/Day (Estimated)
Current Status In Use, Future Uncertain
UP Bridge Number 7.14
Significance Local Significance
Documentation Date September 2016


View an article regarding the construction of this route.

One of several concrete arch "tunnels" built during the rebuilding of the route in 1906 was this structure.
Built in 1906, this single span concrete arch bridge crosses 50th Street near I-80. Known as the "awful tunnel", this bridge likely will be replaced in the next decade.
Other arches at 60th Street, 84th Street and 120th Street have all been replaced, making this the sole remaining tunnel.
Built entirely of concrete, this arch remains in good condition. However, due to the narrowness of the structure it is undoubtedly high on the replacement plans for Omaha.

The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be accessed from nearby parking lots.

Citations

Source Type

Source

Build Date Date Stamp
Engineer Railway Age & Railway Review, Volume 41
Contractor Railway Age & Railway Review, Volume 41
Railroad Line History Source ICC Valuation Information, Compiled by Richard S. Steele