Then in 1871, the line was extended 57 miles further north to Cedar Rapids. This line would form the mainline, along with the Cedar Rapids-Albert Lea portion of the line.
In 1876, the line became part of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway. The BCR&N was building many lines around Iowa at the time.
This line would start in Burlington, go through Sperry, Mediapolis, cross the Iowa Central at Morning Sun,
cross a Rock Island line at Columbus Junction, cross the Milwaukee Road at Conesville, have a junction of two branch lines at Nichols,
go through West Liberty, West Branch and Solon before arriving in Cedar Rapids.
In 1901, the BCR&N finished their connection to St. Paul, Minnesota by building north. In 1903, the BCR&N was purchased by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific.
The RI used the line as a mainline until 1980, when they fell into bankruptcy.
North of Cedar Rapids was eventually used again, same with a short spur near Columbus Junction.
The spur near Columbus Junction was abandoned in 2008 after part of a bridge collapsed due to flooding.
Today, from Cedar Rapids to Burlington is planned to become the Hoover Trail, which a few segments exist today.
06/26/21
This small stone arch bridge crosses an unnamed creek near Ely, Iowa.
Built in 1890, the bridge currently serves as part of the Hoover Nature Trail. While the exterior is made of stone, the interior is constructed of stone.
Overall, the bridge remains in very good condition. Many small BCR&N arches like this remain in great condition.
It can be seen from along State Street. The author believes that many similar structures likely still exist along this route.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the smaller size of the arch.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be easily accessed from a nearby road.