Kern Bridge (Bridge L5669)
See features of the bridge
History and significance
The Kern Bridge was a single-span, wrought-iron, bowstring arch through truss resting on limestone abutments. The bridge was located in in the southeast corner of South Bend Township in Blue Earth County. The bridge was constructed by John Mahowald and the Wrought Iron Bridge Company in 1873. The bridge was significant as the only example of a bowstring through truss bridge in Minnesota and for its exceptional span length.
The bridge was removed from this site, dismantled, and stored for relocation in winter 2020.
The bridge was removed from this site, dismantled, and stored for relocation in winter 2020. It is currently planned to be rehabilitated by the City of Mankato as a pedestrian and bicycle bridge over the Blue Earth River in 2024.
Bridge features
Six-sided, wrought-iron, riveted top chord.
Use of wrought iron members in truss construction.
Design and construction of an
exceptionally long-span bowstring arch truss, the only of its kind in Minnesota.