This route would become part of a backbone for the Chicago Great Western, which had a majority share in the MC&FD before outright purchasing the route in 1946.
The Chicago Great Western operated a wishbone shape, connecting Council Bluffs, Chicago, the Twin Cities and Kansas City. By 1968, they were purchased by Chicago & North Western.
As C&NW already had their own route into Council Bluffs, this one would be abandoned. The first major abandonment came in 1971, and included the route between Council Bluffs and Harlan.
In 1977, another section between Somers and Carroll was abandoned, as well as Harlan to Manning in 1981 and Manning to Carroll in 1983.
Iowa Interstate took over the remaining tracks around Council Bluffs. Union Pacific purchased C&NW in 1995, and later abandoned the route between Roelyn and Somers in 2008.
06/26/21
Located near Lanesboro, this large deck girder bridge carries the Russell White Nature Trail over the North Raccoon River at Hobbs County Park.
Built during the initial construction of the line in 1903, the bridge features a pair of deck girders, set onto concrete substructures. In addition, the bridge is approached by a series of trestle spans on the north side.
These spans are rather large, measuring at 90 feet each. These are some of the largest deck girder spans constructed on the Fort Dodge-Council Bluffs line.
Postcards seem to show that the initial bridge here was a large trestle, and was likely replaced right after the rail line initially opened to traffic.
Overall, the bridge itself appears to be in fair to good condition, with some spalling noted on the concrete. However, the deck is quite spongy in places, due to the quick construction of the trail surface.
The author has ranked this bridge as locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | Lake City Rail Bridge (C&NW) |
| Downstream | UP North Raccoon River Bridge |