This crossing of the Mississippi was once an extremely significant and important crossing.
However, today it sits half removed and half abandoned, continuing to deteriorate.
The last bridge here was built in 1899 with a through truss swing span, and several through truss spans as approaches.
This bridge was however rebuilt with 32 spans of deck plate girder in 1928. These girder spans crossed into Wisconsin, after Island #72.
The bridge was built on a combination of stone and concrete substructures. The swing span featured riveted connections as well.
However, the C&NW would abandoned the line in 1977, and the bridge was removed shortly after.
Despite the removal, several spans remained for years to come. These included almost all of the 1928 deck girder spans.
Several of these spans would be removed at a later date and relocated to Minnesota City, where they now sit on private property.
Historic photo showing the 1899-1928 configuration. Photo credit Library of Congress
The photo above is an overview of some of the deck girder spans which remain.
The author has ranked the remaining spans as minimally significant, because of the age and partial destruction of the bridge. If the swing span was still in place, it would have recieved a higher rating.
| Upstream | Reeds Landing Rail Bridge |
| Downstream | Winona Rail Bridge (S) |