From 2006 to 2009 , Union Pacific constructed a new double track concrete and steel bridge next to the old span . During construction , the bridge was lengthened to the east due to instability of the bank caused by heavy rains in Spring 2008 ; this delayed completion by at least eight months . The bridge opened to traffic on August 20 , 2009 , when the Union Pacific ran its first train across the new span . The UP officially named the new viaduct the Kate Shelley Bridge . The new bridge can handle two trains simultaneously at , and at long and high , the new bridge is longer and slightly taller than the original . The original bridge was left in place
heavy rains in Spring 2008
Iowa flood of 2008
Kate Shelley High Bridge