Mad Creek Bridge

Year Constructed:  1924
Bridge type:  Reinforced Concrete Filled Spandrel Deck Arch Bridge
National Register of Historic Places Status:  Eligible 
Length:  40 feet
Width:  24.7 feet
Spans:  1
FHWA:  603440
Jurisdiction (and direct contact, email phone):  Muscatine Public Works Director; Steve Snider; Snider, Steve <ssnider@muscatineiowa.gov>
Location: Park Avenue West over Mad Creek
Sections: 24 Township: 77 North Range: 2 West 
 

Bridge Details

The Mad Creek Bridge is one of a relatively small number of remaining reinforced concrete-filled spandrel arch bridges from this period and the earliest in southeastern Iowa constructed from IHC plans. The Mad Creek Bridge provides an exceptional example of this bridge type as it retains all of the character-defining features designed by the IHC during this period. Under Criterion C, the Mad Creek Bridge rises to the threshold of significance as it represents the distinctive characteristics of a reinforced concrete-filled spandrel arch bridge designed by the IHC during this period.

Since its construction, the bridge has carried modern traffic with load restrictions and no known structural or character-defining modifications. Today, the bridge remains along a roadway, although it is no longer the direct route into Muscatine along a primary roadway. The originally adjacent railroad lines have been abandoned and partially turned into a recreational trail. The foliage is completely overgrown, removing any regular visible access by the recreational trail users. These changes somewhat alter the integrity of the bridge setting, feeling, and association, but do not severely diminish these elements of the historic integrity. The bridge retains a high degree of location, design, material, and workmanship. Overall, the Mad Creek Bridge retains the necessary historic integrity to convey its significance.