Around The Railroad

New Boone High Bridge Will Increase Velocity

January 2, 2008 | 12:55 p.m. CST

About 50 trains a day will have a faster route across the Des Moines River valley in Iowa when the new Boone High Bridge opens.

Construction is under way on a new bridge located north of the existing Kate Shelley Bridge, built in 1901. At 2,550-feet long and 198-feet high, the new bridge will be one of the highest double-track railroad bridges in North America. It will be primarily constructed of concrete with steel spans.

"The new Boone High Bridge is a modern-day engineering feat that will enhance our long-term ability to improve operational efficiency and customer service," said Bill Wimmer, vice president-Engineering.

Even though it was double tracked, the old bridge only allowed one train at a time to cross until a few years ago, when the center span was strengthened. Two trains can now use the bridge at the same time, but it's at a reduced speed of 25 mph. With the new bridge, two trains will be able to cross at a maximum speed of 70 mph.

Construction began in March 2007 and is scheduled to be completed by November 2008 at a cost of $43 million. More than one million cubic yards of dirt has been moved and placed for the approaches and new track beds. General contractor OCCI is approximately 67 percent done with drilling the shafts, while work to form and place concrete for the superstructure is about half done. The steel spans are scheduled to be placed next spring.