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Mederville Concrete Arch Bridge Traditional Cache

Hidden : 7/31/2011
Difficulty:
2.5 out of 5
Terrain:
3 out of 5

Size: Size:   regular (regular)

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Geocache Description:

This cache will take you to an unusual 155 foot long bridge built in 1918 over a deep ravine created by the Volga River. It has now been limited to pedestrian-only service and preserved due to its unique construction. The bridge demonstrates a rare use of concrete arch technology to span a wide crossing.

At a time when engineers typically used riveted steel trusses for medium-span river crossings, Clayton County contracted F.E, Marsh and Company to build this concrete open spandrel arch bridge at a cost of $17,454. The tall, steep-sided location was perfect for this type of bridge. During the 1920s only a few of these had been built in Iowa, but the Mederville bridge was the first in 1918. It was used daily until 1995 when a new bridge nearby took its place. In 1998, the bridge was added to the National Register of Historical Places.

Driving directions: From highway 13 turn southeast onto seal-coated Emblem Rd. When you finally arrive at the small town of Mederville, turn left onto Eclipse Rd. for a couple blocks to the Mederville canoe access. (See additional coordinates for recommended parking.)

The cache: The cache is a regular-sized lock’n’lock type container with a logbook, pencil, and starts with a few nice trade items. Please sign the log, trade fairly, and return the cache to its original location and state of concealment for others to enjoy.

Additional Hints (Decrypt)

Tebhaq mreb ryringvba zvahf gjryir srrg.

Decryption Key

A|B|C|D|E|F|G|H|I|J|K|L|M
-------------------------
N|O|P|Q|R|S|T|U|V|W|X|Y|Z

(letter above equals below, and vice versa)