The following is a news release copied from the Union Pacific RR web site:
www.uprr.com/newsinfo/releases/capital_investment/2007/0907_boone.shtml
Union Pacific Building $43 Million High Bridge in Boone, Iowa
New facility expected to generate strong economic development for the area
Omaha, Neb., September 07, 2007 – Today, Union Pacific announced that construction is underway on the $43 million double-track high bridge. When the 2,550-foot long and 190-foot high structure is completed, it will be one of the highest double-track railroad bridges in North America. The new bridge will improve operational efficiency in anticipation of expected growth in our customers’ businesses and increased freight volumes.
"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. "This is the type of major investment in replacement infrastructure that railroads must make, but will be able to afford only if they can obtain adequate revenues."
OCCI, Inc. based in Fulton, Missouri, is the contractor that was awarded the project and Omaha-based HDR Engineering Inc., provided the engineering, drawings and obtained the necessary permits for the construction of the bridge.
Construction on the bridge began in March and is scheduled to be completed by November 2008.
This posting is thanks to info in an email from Nathan S. Clark, Jr., who included the following comment and links.
"I do not know what implications this new structure will have for thelong-term future of the historic and famous Kate Shelley bridge, nearby."
http://www.stuorg.iastate.edu/railroad/Ames/kateshelley.html
http://faculty.simpson.edu/dick.tinder/www/111001HighBridge/UP7575a.jpeg
http://faculty.simpson.edu/dick.tinder/www/111001HighBridge/wholetrain.jpeg
These links have pictures of the Kate Shelley bridge, and the first one has some description of the bridge. Kate Shelley was a real Iowa railroading heroine, and you can read more about her at any of numerous web sites by doing a search on "Kate Shelley Iowa". I think you will find her story interesting.
