Douglas State Trail Bridge

Located in rural Olmsted County, this through plate girder bridge carries the former Chicago Great Western Railway over the South Branch Middle Fork Zumbro River west of Oconoco. The first bridge at this location was likely a timber pile trestle. Between 1901 and 1905, the CGW invested significant capital into upgrading bridges throughout the system. In 1903, the original bridge would be replaced by three 71-foot through plate girder spans, set onto stone substructures. These girders would use a standard design, with rounded ends at the ends of the bridge, and a center span with all square ends. American Bridge Company fabricated the bridge, and an unknown contractor constructed the substructures. After a 2010 flood destroyed one bridge and severely damaged another in nearby Pine Island, it was decided to rebuild this bridge to prevent a future flood from destroying the bridge. A 60-foot through girder span was relocated from the southern bridge in Pine Island (Bridge #R80), and installed on the south end of this bridge. In addition, the original south abutment was rebuilt as a faux-stone concrete pier, and the remaining portions of the bridge received an extensive rehabilitation. The additional girder was reused from the center span of the Pine Island bridge, and was also fabricated in 1903 by American Bridge Company.

While railroads often moved spans from one location to another, it is relatively rare to see it when the bridge has become part of a trail. Typically, owners of trails prefer to use prefabricated pedestrian spans when a new bridge is needed on a rail-trail. Through plate girder spans were commonly used by railroads, as they were durable and easy to construct. Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with no major deterioration noted. The author has ranked the bridge as being moderately significant, due to the relocation history. The author commends the rehabilitation and reuse of a historic railroad span for this structure.