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.
11/07/21
Located near Loveland, this simple through girder bridge crosses the Union Pacific mainline just east of I-29.
Built in 1900, the bridge features a standard through girder, set onto stone abutments. This style bridge was very common on the Fort Dodge-Omaha line.
Although no builders plaque can be found, it seems likely that American Bridge Works fabricated this bridge. American Bridge Works worked on dozens of other plate girders for the IC, and seems to have received the exclusive contract for steel bridges on this line.
Oddly enough, many of the other grade separations on this line used through trusses. It is unknown why this span crossing a single through girder.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition with no significant deterioration.
The photo above is an overview.