To the south, this line connected with an existing extension between Horton and Herington.
By 1891, the line became a part of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway system. This system of lines included several thousand miles of trackage throughout the midwest.
This line was little more than a branch line throughout its entire existence. Another Rock Island line went north of this line, making this line a redundant spur.
In 1980, the Rock Island faced serious financial issues and would finally go bankrupt. As a result, the Herington-Salina line would be abandoned.
A small segment, from Abilene to Woodbine still exists as the Abilene & Smoky Valley Railroad, a tourist railroad.
06/26/21
Located on the east side of Enterprise, this small stone arch culvert carries the A&SV over a small stream near 1st Street and Moon Road.
Built in approximately 1887, the bridge features a single small stone arch span, with wing walls perpendicular to the track. The arch appears to be a standard design, likely installed when the railroad was first built.
Because the CK&N was funded by the Rock Island, much of the stone and steel seen today along the former CK&N routes appears to be original to the construction of the line.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition, with little significant deterioration. A tree that was growing on top of the south face was removed, although the roots and trunk displaced a stone on the headwall.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.