Arcola Trestle

Gazing up at the Arcola Trestle, also known as the Soo Line High Bridge, it’s hard not to feel a sense of awe. This isn’t just a bridge. It’s a monument to ingenuity and a testament to the power of human endeavor. The Arcola Trestle stretches an impressive 2,682 feet across the St. Croix River, connecting Minnesota and Wisconsin. Its five steel arches rise 184 feet above the water, a breathtaking sight that has captivated onlookers for over a century. Built between 1910 and 1911, the Arcola Trestle replaced a smaller, lower bridge that struggled to accommodate the increasing demands of the Wisconsin Central Railway. This earlier bridge required helper engines and shorter trains to navigate the steep grades on either side of the river. The new bridge, designed by C.A.P. Turner, solved this problem with its impressive height and length. Imagine the scene in 1910. Construction crews, using a temporary chute and trestle, transported concrete from a mixing site on the bluff down to the piers. The American Bridge Company fabricated the bridge parts, and the Kelly-Atkinson Construction Company erected them. Some sections were built with extensive falsework, while others were cantilevered out, a feat of engineering for its time. The Arcola Trestle wasn’t just a practical solution. It was also a marvel of design. Turner, known for his innovative “Turner truss” design, created a bridge that was both functional and aesthetically striking. The arches are not only visually appealing but also structurally ingenious. They employ a three-hinged design with a special friction plate system in the crown hinge. When a train crosses, these plates lock together, increasing the bridge’s rigidity. This innovative feature allowed for the use of a three-hinged arch, typically considered unsuitable for railroad bridges due to their flexibility. The Arcola Trestle stands as a symbol of a bygone era, a time when railroads were the lifeblood of the nation. It’s a reminder of the ingenuity and ambition that built the infrastructure of the modern world. As you stand here, looking up at this magnificent structure, take a moment to appreciate the skill and vision of those who created it, the workers who labored tirelessly, and the engineers who dared to dream big. The Arcola Trestle is more than just a bridge. It’s a story of connection, innovation, and enduring strength, a story written in steel and spanning across time.