How long is the Bertram Bridge in Iowa?
The Bertram Bridge (also known as Ely Street Bridge) is a concrete beam bridge spanning Big Creek in the village of Bertram, Linn County, in the US state of Iowa. Carrying South Ely Street, the current structure replaced a historic 1891 single-lane iron truss bridge. It's one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
| Road facts: Bertram Bridge (Ely Street Bridge) | |
|---|---|
| Location | Bertram (Linn County), Iowa (USA) |
| Route Designation | South Ely Street |
| Length | 63.4 m (208 ft) |
| Original Build Date | 1891 (Historic iron truss structure, since replaced) |
| Structure Type | Modern concrete slab bridge with low concrete barriers |
| Surface | Fully paved concrete two-lane deck |
| Key Hazards | Flash flooding on Big Creek, winter ice on exposed concrete deck |
Where is the Bertram Bridge located?
The bridge sits on South Ely Street in southern Linn County, just southeast of Cedar Rapids. It crosses Big Creek directly within the village limits of Bertram.
What happened to the original Bertram Bridge?
Built in 1891, the original structure was a 208-foot historic iron truss bridge with a narrow 13.5-foot single-lane roadway and a strict 8-ton weight limit. Due to structural deterioration and weight restrictions, the old iron framework was completely removed and replaced by a modern, two-lane concrete deck bridge designed to handle standard modern traffic loads.
Is the road over Bertram Bridge paved?
Yes. South Ely Street and the bridge deck itself are fully paved with concrete. The replacement bridge features wider lanes and integrated concrete side guardrails.
What are the driving conditions on the Bertram Bridge?
The modern concrete structure allows two vehicles to pass simultaneously without stopping. The primary driving hazards are localized flash flooding along the Big Creek basin during heavy spring rains and rapid ice formation on the concrete deck during winter freezing spells.