Melan Bridge – Rock Rapids, IA
N 43° 25.942 W 096° 09.261
14T E 730316 N 4812764
The Melan Bridge was the first reinforced concrete bridge to be built in the United States.
Waymark Code: WMC2CY
Location: Iowa, United States
Date Posted: 07/17/2011
Views: 3
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.
The bridge was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1974 (#74000797).
Street address:
Hwy. 9
Rock Rapids, IA USA
51246
County / Borough / Parish: Lyon
Year listed: 1974
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Architecture/Engineering
Periods of significance: 1875-1899
Historic function: Transportation
Current function: Landscape, Transportation
Privately owned?: no
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 1: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
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