Rockford Rail Bridge

• 1836: Galena and Chicago Union Railroad charted between Chicago and Galena, Illinois
• 1849: 11 miles completed from West Chicago to Elgin, Illinois by the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad
• 1852: 52 miles completed from Elgin to Rockford, Illinois by the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad
• 1853: 28 miles completed from Rockford to Freeport, Illinois by the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad
• 1864: G&CU consolidated with the Chicago & North Western Railway
• 1972: Winnebago to Freeport segment abandoned
• 1981: Rockford to Winnebago segment abandoned
• 1980s: Rockford to Freeport segment purchased by Commonwealth Edison
• 1995: Chicago & North Western purchased by Union Pacific Railroad
• 1995-Present: Union Pacific operates the Belvidere Subdivision from West Chicago to Rockford
• 2010-Present: Pecatonica Prairie Path gradually developed on Rockford to Freeport segment

Located in downtown Rockford, this massive truss bridge crosses the Rock River south of Chestnut Street.
Originally built in 1853, the bridge first featured a wood arch. Reaction pads in the abutments can still be seen from this bridge. The bridge was rebuilt in 1869 with a wooden truss and likely rebuilt again before 1896.
In 1896, the wooden bridge was replaced with a massive steel bridge. This new bridge consisted of seven spans of 7-panel riveted Warren Deck Truss with alternating vertical members. This bridge is what still exists today, and it sits on stone masonry substructures.
The design is interesting for the time period, as it uses a more modern design typically seen on Ca. 1910 bridges. However, railroad documents confirm that this is the original 1896 span.
Presently, the bridge is still operated as a railroad. Below the dam downstream, another railroad bridge exists, and is now a trail. The area around this bridge has been redeveloped significantly. Both sides of the bridge are accessible as a park.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with no serious deterioration noted.

Historic photo of the bridge

The author has ranked the bridge as being regionally significant, due to the large scale truss design.
The photo above is an overview.