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 in Elgin, this small arch bridge is located just upstream from the highly significant Union Pacific Bridge.
However, this structure is also significant. It is one of only a few reminders of the CA&E Elgin Branch. Presently, it serves the Fox River Trail.
Built in 1902, the structure is a simple concrete arch, with a long arch design. Fortunately, the county made the decision not to install fences on it, which leaves the arch in a natural form. Fences oftentimes hinder users from being able to see the full beauty of a bridge like this.
Unlike some of the bridges along this route, this structure features little decorative features.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair condition, with some fractures present in the structure.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.