BNSF Redwood River Bridge #5

Located in Camden State Park north of Russell, this deck girder viaduct is the fifth bridge carrying a former Great Northern Railway mainline across the Redwood River. The first bridge at this location likely consisted of a large timber pile trestle bridge, constructed when the line was first built. Around the turn of the 20th Century, the GN invested significant capital into this line, replacing timber bridges with steel, stone and concrete structures. In 1902, a new deck plate girder viaduct supported by stone substructures was constructed at this location. In 1950, the ends of the bridge were reconstructed with timber pile trestle spans to stabilize the slopes, giving the bridge its present configuration. Currently, the bridge consists of one 67-foot and two 48-foot deck plate girder spans, approached by two timber pile trestle spans on either end. The bridge is set onto steel bents, stone footings, concrete abutments and timber pile bents. The main spans follow a standard design, with two heavy plate girders per span and an open deck. The bents are formed by two posts, which form an "A" shape. These posts are constructed of two parallel channels, which are connected by a V-laced beam at the top and bottom and solid bar lateral bracing. The pedestals consist of massive stone blocks, which are square. Originally, the abutments likely consisted of a standard design with stepped diagonal wing walls. When the bridge was altered in 1950, the original abutments were converted to piers and encased with concrete. Stone for the substructures consists of Kettle River sandstone, likely quarried at Sandstone, Minnesota. American Bridge Company fabricated the superstructure, while unknown contractors constructed the stone pedestals and concrete abutments. Deck plate girder spans were popular for railroad use, as they were durable and easy to construct. Several similar viaducts were constructed along this line, as deck girder viaducts provided the most economical design for long and tall bridges. Today, the bridge remains in regular use. Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition, with no significant deterioration noted. The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.