Dan Patch Line Bridge
Dan Patch Line Bridge | |
---|---|
![]() Dan Patch Line bridge in the open position | |
Coordinates | 44°47′25″N 93°21′10″W / 44.79028°N 93.35278°W |
Carries | One rail crossing; formerly two traffic lanes |
Crosses | Minnesota River |
Locale | Bloomington, Minnesota and Savage, Minnesota |
ID number | N/A |
Characteristics | |
Design | Swing bridge |
Total length | 489 feet[1] |
Clearance below | 20 feet |
History | |
Opened | 1908 |
Location | |
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The Dan Patch Line Bridge is a railroad
Early history
The bridge was built by Marion W. Savage, owner of the racehorse
Current status
Under the 2010 Minnesota State Rail Plan, the Dan Patch Line Bridge would be replaced with a new one-track bridge that would cost around $34 million.[8]
In 2015, it was reported that TC&W planned to repair the bridge and resume direct rail access to the Post Savage terminals along the south banks of Minnesota River.[9] The city of Savage subsequently announced a study to examine a new road crossing at the bridge. TC&W is supportive of a new road crossing, but the city of Bloomington is not.[10] In 2016, it was announced that the bridge was being reopened for use due to an expected surge in grain traffic, with the bridge to see approximately one grain train per day.[11] However rail service to the Port of Savage via the Dan Patch Line Bridge has not begun as of 2023. Twin Cities & Western continues to transport grain to the rail yards in St. Paul for interchange with Union Pacific, and Union Pacific transports the rest of the way to Savage via the Mankato Subdivision.[citation needed] However, as of September, 2022, TC&W was seeking $440,000 in state funding to rehabilitate a three-quarter mile segment of track south of the bridge that would enable direct service to Savage to resume.[12]
References
- ^ "Dan Patch Line Bridge". John A. Weeks III.
- ^ "TCWR Freight Rail Realignment Study" (PDF). Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority/TKDA. November 18, 2009. p. 6. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 18, 2011. Retrieved October 8, 2010.
- ^ Luecke & Spyhalski 2013, p. 171.
- ^ "Dan Patch Line Bridge". Structurae.
- ^ Luecke & Spyhalski 2013, p. 161-162.
- ^ Luecke & Spyhalski 2013, p. 171-172.
- ^ Hall, Alex (March 4, 2016). "Rail traffic to utilize Dan Patch Line swing bridge again". Savage Pacer. Savage, Minnesota. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
- ^ "Proposed Freight Rail Improvements And Investments" (PDF). Retrieved January 1, 2022.
- ^ Davies, Phil (April 20, 2015). "The little railroads that could". Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis: Fedgazette.
- ^ Reinan, John (September 19, 2015). "Bloomington, Savage at odds over future of Dan Patch bridge crossing". Star Tribune. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
- ^ Reinan, John (February 29, 2016). "Dan Patch bridge over Minnesota River will be swinging again this spring". Star Tribune. Minneapolis, Minnesota. Archived from the original on March 9, 2016. Retrieved March 8, 2016.
- ^ https://www.railwayage.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/RAILSCOPE-23-2-28-2384.pdf
Bibliography
- Luecke, John; Spyhalski, Paul (2013). The Minneapolis, Northfield, & Southern Railway: From Dan Patch To Dragons. Saint Paul, Minnesota: Grenadier Publications.
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