The Beussmann Bridge crosses the Minnesota River connecting Brown and Nicollet counties just north of New Ulm. As of 2008, this is a 20 year old steel girder bridge. Bridges of this length are gnerally build using pre-stressed concrete beams rather than steel. The two inner spans have a much larger steel girder than the outer spans. This results in very hefty piers in the middle, and lighter piers towards the end of the bridge. The result is four different styles of piers. The center pier has two concrete columns connected by a concrete web. The piers at either end of the main steel span also have two columns joined by a web, but also feature a large top cap. The next set of piers moving outward are a set of steel posts connected by a web of concrete. The final set of piers moving outward are little more than thin concrete blocks. Each pier by themself would be unusual, but to have all these different styles on one bridge is very unique.

At this time, I have not been able to find anything about the Buessmann Bridge, or its steel truss predacessor from 1891. If anyone can fill in these stories, please let me know.