Then in 1871, the line was extended 57 miles further north to Cedar Rapids. This line would form the mainline, along with the Cedar Rapids-Albert Lea portion of the line.
In 1876, the line became part of the Burlington, Cedar Rapids & Northern Railway. The BCR&N was building many lines around Iowa at the time.
This line would start in Burlington, go through Sperry, Mediapolis, cross the Iowa Central at Morning Sun,
cross a Rock Island line at Columbus Junction, cross the Milwaukee Road at Conesville, have a junction of two branch lines at Nichols,
go through West Liberty, West Branch and Solon before arriving in Cedar Rapids.
In 1901, the BCR&N finished their connection to St. Paul, Minnesota by building north. In 1903, the BCR&N was purchased by the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific.
The RI used the line as a mainline until 1980, when they fell into bankruptcy.
North of Cedar Rapids was eventually used again, same with a short spur near Columbus Junction.
The spur near Columbus Junction was abandoned in 2008 after part of a bridge collapsed due to flooding.
Today, from Cedar Rapids to Burlington is planned to become the Hoover Trail, which a few segments exist today.
06/26/21
This unique through girder bridge carries a field access road over Dry Creek, north of Burlington.
Built in 1898, the bridge consists of a pair of through girder spans, set onto stone and brick substructures. These through girder spans are heavily skewed, and heavily built.
While the abutments are constructed of stone, the pier for this bridge is a concrete encased brick structure. Nearby bridges have the same brick pier, which is a unique feature of these bridges, and the only instances noted by the author.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair condition. The deck of the bridge was removed and reconstructed with sheet metal and concrete, likely soon after the abandonment. A gate on the bridge prevents motor vehicles from crossing.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design. Despite this, the brick pier is a feature of which uniqueness cannot be understated.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge was accessed from the parallel road.