- 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
02/06/22
Located in the city of Elgin, this girder bridge crosses Chicago Street between State Street and Crystal Avenue.
Built in 1907, the bridge features a single through plate girder span, approached by a deck girder span on either side and set onto stone and steel substructures. At one time, a second track existed here, but it was removed at an unknown date.
Girder spans like this were commonly used to cross creeks and roads, due to the durability and simplicity to build. The piers of the bridge are a unique built up design.
Since construction, the bridge appears to remain significantly unchanged, with some minor alterations to the bridge noted. It appears that the deck was replaced recently, and it appears that lateral bracing was replaced under the approach spans.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition, with minor deterioration noted throughout the structure.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.