18.86.3

June, 1918 collapse of the Lincoln Way Bridge. Taken from east end of bridge. After heavy rains in early June, area had been under water. Lincoln Way (named in 1913) was gravel. Bridge, built by county in 1910; specs had been shaved to save costs. After collapse, some engineers blamed disaster on county engineer and the change from the original design. Dean Anson Marston, ISC College of Engineering, had called for more materials in the bridge and for what he believed to be a stronger design. Goddard family was coming from west when bridge collapsed. No one was hurt in the mishap which occurred in early evening. Family was rescued with ropes and ladders. Photo, courtesy of the Iowa Department of Transportation.