The E&C would never see the completion of the line, and instead would be absorbed into the Aurora, Elgin & Chicago Railroad.
The railroad officially opened for service in 1903. The track was a third rail type, making it electrified.
During the same time, branches would be completed to Aurora, Batavia and Elgin. In 1909, a fourth branch would be completed to Geneva.
The line would become part of the Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Railroad (later railway) in 1922.
By 1947, the newly formed Chicago Transit Authority took over the rapid transit system. With the CTA in control, much of the system was in limbo. A majority of it was to be replaced with buses and other mass transit.
In addition, as the suburbs grew west following World War II, new highways would be built reducing the need for railroads.
In 1957, the CA&E suspended all passenger service, and would suspend all freight service in 1959.
The CA&E would be abandoned in 1961. Two years later, the counties of Cook, DuPage and Kane purchased the right of way and began developing the Illinois Prairie Path.
Today, much of the system west of Maywood is part of the Illinois Prairie Path, including all four suburban branches.
02/06/22
View an article regarding the construction of this route.
Located under Illinois Route 25 (River Street), this small concrete arch bridge carries the Illinois Prairie Path Batavia Spur over Batavia Creek.
Built in 1902, the bridge consists of a single concrete arch span, set onto concrete substructures. The bridge also features some unusual geometry.
Historic photo of the bridge from Street Railway Review; August 20th, 1902
Fortunately, this bridge was preserved for reuse as the Illinois Prairie Path. The arch does not follow a normal design, but instead uses a crested design. It is believed this design was used as the bridge is low to the ground.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to poor condition, with some significant deterioration seen throughout the structure.
The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.