Melan Stone Arch Bridge – Rock Rapids, IA
N 43° 25.942 W 096° 09.261
14T E 730316 N 4812764
A sign tells the significance of this bridge as a unique landmark of this community.
Waymark Code: WMC2CD
Location: Iowa, United States
Date Posted: 07/17/2011
Views: 1
A sign tells the significance of this bridge as a unique landmark of this community. It reads:
“First Reinforced Concrete Bridge in the United States. Built in 1893 three miles south of here over Cry Creek, this arch bridge was designed by Joseph Melan, the Austrian originator of the Melan System of reinforcing concrete. His supervisor of construction was Frederick Von Emberger. The builder was John Olsen of Rock Rapids. The arch supporting the 30 ft. span rises 6 ft. 6 in. to the crown and is reinforced by railroad rails. The stone facing is Sioux Falls Jasper. Lyon County paid $830.00 for its construction including the Portland cement imported from Germany for $3.25 per barrel.
“The Kiwanis Club of Rock Rapids sponsored a drive for contributions to ‘Save The Bridge’ when road improvements made its removal necessary. Many individuals including the son of the builder have made possible its preservation as a memorial to pioneers of this area.
“Dedicated August 31, 1964.”
There is also a bronze marker fixed to a rock that says: “The first reinforced concrete bridge built in the United States. 1893. Design principles by J. Melan, Austria, Constructed by John Olsen, Rock Rapids.”
The bridge and the two markers are located in Emma Sater Memorial Park under the water tower.
Length of bridge: 30 feet
Height of bridge: 6 feet, 6 inches
What type of traffic does this bridge support?: pedestrian only
What kind of gap does this bridge cross?:
park puddle
Date constructed: 1893
Is the bridge still in service for its original purpose?: No
Name of road or trail the bridge services: Emma Sater Memorial Park
Location:
Emma Sater Memorial Park, Rock Rapids
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Visit Instructions:
Please submit a photo(s) taken by you of your visit to the location (non-copyrighted photos only). GPS photos are also accepted with the location in the background, and old vacation photos are accepted. If you are not able to provide a photo, then please describe your visit or give a story about the visit. If the bridge location prevents you from taking a safe photograph, then please do not stop to take the photo. Safety is more important.
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