This new line would be completed in a staggering 208 days, opening in early 1899. The line was owned by the D&SC (which was a subsidiary of Illinois Central).
The line was also the most significant branch off the D&SC mainline through Iowa.
The new line connected mainly rural areas, and crossed into Omaha on a swing bridge over the Missouri River.
This bridge was leased from the Omaha Bridge and Terminal Railway Company.
When completed, the line was regarded as a mainline, connecting Nebraska to Chicago. East of Tara, the line connected Waterloo, Dubuque and Chicago.
By 1947, the IC fully absorbed any remains of the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad. IC became the sole operator and proprietor of this line.
In 1972, the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio merged with IC to form the Illinois Central Gulf.
In 1985, operations of the ICG western division (west from Chicago) was spun off into the Chicago Central and Pacific Railroad.
By 1996, the railroad was repurchased by Illinois Central. Canadian National Railway purchased Illinois Central in 1999, and continues to operate the line as the Omaha Subdivision.
06/26/21
Located near Dow City, this through girder bridge was relocated to this location.
Built in 1952, the bridge features a single through girder main span that was built in approximately 1900 approached by trestle and set onto timber substructures. At 45 feet long, the span was likely built around 1900 and was moved here from an unknown location in 1952. Unlike other girders in the area, this span does not match design to the other structures on the route.
Prior to 1952, a simple timber trestle and deck span stood at this location. It is unknown why the previous deck girder bridge was replaced.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good to fair condition.
The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.