View Information About HSR Ratings
Berkheimer Bridge, named after the person who petitioned for the bridge's construction, is a rare example of a highway pin-connected truss bridge displaying the Pennsylvania truss configuration. The bridge contains the main truss span and a series of approach spans. The Pennsylvania truss configuration is an uncommon truss configuration that is among the most visually and geometrically complex of the truss configurations, and as a result bridges displaying the configuration usually offer a lot of detail for the eye to enjoy. Iowa has very few bridges of this type, and as such the preservation of each surviving example is essential. In addition, the Berkheimer Bridge's main Pennsylvania truss span retains a high degree of historic integrity, with very few alterations. The alterations present on this bridge are limited to the approach spans and substructure which appear to have been extensively altered. Most noteworthy, the piers for the main span appear to be replaced. Because the historic significance of the bridge is derived from the main truss span alone, any alterations to these areas do not diminish the historic significance of the bridge in any way. The Pennsylvania truss span remains a distinguished and important span in the state of Iowa.
During the time of documentation, this bridge had been closed to traffic. The bridge has been closed and subsequently rehabilitated in the past. Hopefully this trend continues. If the bridge cannot continue to serve vehicular traffic in its current location it should be preserved either in its current location or a new location for non-motorized use.
Information and Findings From Iowa's Historic Bridge InventoryDiscussion of Bridge
According to county records, Mark Berkhimer and others petitioned the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors for a bridge at this site in 1892, but the petition was not granted. In 1898 a report recommending a bridge at this site was approved. Bids for construction of the bridge were received on June 6, 1899, with eight companies submitting proposals. Most of the bidders offered more than one design. The contract was awarded to the Clinton Bridge and Iron Works for $2,836 for their Plan #4, which called for a 170-foot truss with two 32-foot approaches. Apparently the bridge was finished later in the year. The Berkhimer Bridge is one of six through-truss bridges in the county and the only one with the Pennsylvania design. Pennsylvania through trusses are relatively rare in the state, and this particular bridge retains very good design integrity [adapted from Johnson 1992]. Bridge Considered Historic By Survey: Yes |
Coordinates (Latitude, Longitude):
Search For Additional Bridge Listings:
Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 0.5 miles (0.8 kilometers) of this bridge.
Bridgehunter.com: View listed bridges within 10 miles (16 kilometers) of this bridge.
Additional Maps:
Google Streetview (If Available)
GeoHack (Additional Links and Coordinates)
Apple Maps (Via DuckDuckGo Search)
Apple Maps (Apple devices only)
Android: Open Location In Your Map or GPS App
Flickr Gallery (Find Nearby Photos)
Wikimedia Commons (Find Nearby Photos)
Directions Via Sygic For Android
Directions Via Sygic For iOS and Android Dolphin Browser
USGS National Map (United States Only)
Historical USGS Topo Maps (United States Only)
Historic Aerials (United States Only)
CalTopo Maps (United States Only)
© Copyright 2003-2024, HistoricBridges.org. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer: HistoricBridges.org is a volunteer group of private citizens. HistoricBridges.org is NOT a government agency, does not represent or work with any governmental agencies, nor is it in any way associated with any government agency or any non-profit organization. While we strive for accuracy in our factual content, HistoricBridges.org offers no guarantee of accuracy. Information is provided "as is" without warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied. Information could include technical inaccuracies or errors of omission. Opinions and commentary are the opinions of the respective HistoricBridges.org member who made them and do not necessarily represent the views of anyone else, including any outside photographers whose images may appear on the page in which the commentary appears. HistoricBridges.org does not bear any responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of this or any other HistoricBridges.org information. Owners and users of bridges have the responsibility of correctly following all applicable laws, rules, and regulations, regardless of any HistoricBridges.org information.
