Year constructed: 1963
Bridge type: Concrete Arch Deck (w/no fill over top)
National Register of Historic Places status: Eligible
Length: 83 feet
Width: 30 feet
Spans: 1
FHWA: 052540
Jurisdiction: Iowa DOT
Location: U.S. 52 over Dry Run Creek in Decorah, 0.3 mile north of Jct. Iowa 9, Section 20, T98N-R8W (Decorah Township)
Details
Constructed in 1963, the bridge features reinforced concrete arches set directly into the limestone walls of the creek and cast-in-place decking. The original aluminum handrails, concrete abutments, and stone columns remain intact. An additional concrete railing has been added in the interior of the aluminum railing. In 1981, the concrete deck of the bridge was repaired. The bridge was designed by ISHC Engineer Paul F. Barnard in February 1962 (ISHC 1964:14).
Relocation of US Highway 52 in Decorah was announced in November 1961 in the ISHC five-year construction plan. As early as January 1962, ISHC announced plans for the relocated highway that included the open spandrel concrete arch bridge. At the time, the ISHC declared it was the only one of its kind in the state. The bridge was unique as it was to be set halfway down the 110' rock cut at a 45 degree skew angle (Waterloo Sunday Courier, March 4, 1962:9). The bridge was featured on the cover of of the 1964 official state highway map. In September 1962, businessmen from numerous towns in northeast Iowa formed the Highway 52 Club to advocate improvements along the highway (Decorah Public Opinion Sept. 24, 1962:1). Contracts for the relocation were let on November 7, 1962. Weldon Brothers of Iowa Falls was given the contract for the concrete arch bridge. Work on preparing the limestone cut for the bridge progressed through early 1963. On June 16, 1964, the relocated highway was opened to traffic (Waterloo Daily Courier, June 16, 1964:12).
The US 52 bridge was included in the Phase II survey as it is an exceptional example of a concrete, open spandrel arch bridge designed by ISHC Engineer Paul F. Barnard and as an architecturally designed bridge of recognized aesthetic importance. The bridge is also a unique design for its type, being set halfway down the rock cut and at a 45 degree angle. As such, the US 52 Bridge is eligible for inclusion in the NRHP under Criterion C as it does meet the registration requirements outlined in the MPD . Though, the bridge is less than 50 years of age, it does possess characteristics of exceptional importance and thus does meet Criteria Consideration G. The bridge is the most picturesque and unique open spandrel bridges in Iowa.