Jefferson Street Viaduct
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Photo courtesy of Molly Naumann |
Ottumwa's history has revolved around the Des Moines River. The river drew early native people's and settlers. It provided a means of transportation before the railroads.
The Des Moines River also created a division in the community. It was a natural barrier inhibiting free access from one side of the banks to the other. Bridges were built to unite Ottumwa. Ottumwa's nickname is "the City of Bridges."
Engineers from the Iowa State Highway Commission designed the bridge project. The Wisconsin Bridge and Iron Company of Milwaukee, Wisconsin began excavation for the substructure in early 1935. Construction was completed in 1936. On May 28, 1936 the Jefferson Street Viaduct was dedicated in ceremonies presided over by Iowa Governor Clyde Herring and Ottumwa Mayor Edwin Manning. A crowd of about 15,000 people were on hand for the bridge's official opening.
The Jefferson Street Viaduct has five arched deck truss spans, riveted Warren deck truss, and supported above the Des Moines River on tapered concrete pedestals. It is technologically noteworthy as an uncommon application of deck truss technology in Iowa.
Below is an old picture postcard showing "new viaduct" across the Des Moines River.
Jefferson St over Des Moines River - Ottumwa, IA
- Historic Significance: Architecture/Engineering
- Architect, builder, or engineer: Wisconsin Bridge & Iron Co., Iowa State Highway Commission
- Architectural Style: Other
- Area of Significance: Engineering
- Period of Significance: 1925-1949
- Owner: Local Gov't
- Historic Function: Transportation
- Historic Sub-function: Road-Related
- Current Function: Transportation
- Current Sub-function: Road-Related
It is on the National Register of Historic Places.