View an article regarding the construction of this bridge.
This massive bridge carries a BNSF Mainline, and Illinois Highway 9 across the Mississippi River.
Utilizing a double deck design, the railroad deck is on the bottom while the highway deck is above. A long series of girder spans, supported by steel towers approach the bridge for the road.
In contrast, the railroad approaches are a long series of deck girder spans, which are close to the ground. These spans are approached by a long causeway on the Niota side of the river.
The main spans of this bridge are absolutely huge Baltimore Through Truss bridges with riveted connections.
On the west side, a massive swing bridge employs a pair of 7-panel spans which meet on a pivot point. It is also approached by four 7-panel Baltimore Through Truss spans on the east side.
This bridge was built in 1927 as a replacement to a previous single track through truss bridge, originally built in 1888. The bridge rests on concrete substructures.
Historic photo of the previous bridge
Because BNSF owns the bridge, while the state uses it, a toll is charged to go eastbound across the bridge from Fort Madison. This toll is used to fund repairs to one of the heaviest used bridges on the Mississippi.
In terms of railroad traffic, this structure is one of the busiest over the Mississippi River. Because of this; it is very likely the bridge will eventually be replaced by BNSF.
The west side is the only area where this bridge can be photographed from. The east side has been made off limits by BNSF.
The author has deemed this bridge to be regionally significant due to its design and how heavily used it is. Despite being of a newer age, the bridge is a critical piece of the United States transportation system.
The photo above is an overview, while the photo below pictures a tower of the swing span.
Mississippi River Railroad Bridges
| Upstream | Burlington Lift Bridge |
| Downstream | Keokuk-Hamilton Bridge |
These Pictures Start at varying points in the Series
