Queens Avenue Bridge
View from the south blockade
Photo taken by Dave King on September 1, 2013
BH Photo #265457
After my visit to this bridge I contacted the Mahaska County Engineer and tried to get some information and he told me that he had only recently found out that this bridge had collapsed and that if a local farmer never would have told him about the collapse, he never would have known this bridge was there. I suspect it will remain where it is. He was supposed to get back to me with any information he found out about it, but I have yet to hear anything. Maybe I'll give him a call one of these days.
Not sure. I certainly wouldn't mind if it were left as is. It isn't blocking the channel or causing any problems where it lies. With the recent influx of road maintenance money to Iowa counties this year because of the increased gas tax, I was worried that the county would finally remove the bridge, hence the visit.
is this going to be removed or left for posterity?
Visited the bridge yesterday (5/1). Time and subsequent floods have taken their toll on the remains since the last photos were taken in 2013. Much of the wooden road deck has washed away (including all of the decking that was on the river bank). The eastern pier has been pushed slightly downstream and is starting to get buried in silt. The truss's struts have separated from the top chord, causing the bridge to settle substantially further into the river. The upstream portions of the bridge have also been destroyed by logs and other debris, with the remnants barely poking above the water.
It's a real shame this bridge was flooded out. Was really hoping it would still be standing when I got there. From the Google images and from my photos it looks like a newer deck was on the bridge. Looked like an impressive structure.
I agree with what you are saying about leaving the bridge where it is.the only problem is somebody saying something about it.only time will tell.