The goal of the line was to connect to the Wisconsin Central tracks at Ashland, so a proposed merger between NP and WC could go through.
When NP went bankrupt in the 1890s, they stopped leasing the WC, and Wisconsin Central later found a merger partner in Soo Line.
The line was a branch line for Northern Pacific, who became part of Burlington Northern in 1970 after merging with Great Northern Railway, the main rival.
The line would be abandoned from Allouez to Ashland in 1985, and turned into a trail. On the Allouez side, it is the Osaugie Trail. From the outskirts of Allouez to Ashland, it is the Tri-County Corridor.
The very west end is still operated by BNSF Railway, which was the result of a 1996 merger between BN and Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.
06/26/21
This through girder bridge crosses over the Amnicon River near Wentworth, Wisconsin.
Originally, the main span of this bridge was built in 1897 to cross the West Gallatin River near Belgrade, Montana. As engines quickly became heavier, that bridge was replaced in 1906, and all four spans ended up in Wisconsin, where all continue to serve the Tri-County Corridor.
While the other three bridges were built in late 1906 and early 1907, this span did not end up here until 1908. However, railroad documents seem to indicate plans for this bridge were made in 1906.
A missing plaque also seems to signify that this bridge was built by A&P Roberts Company, which had built numerous spans for the NP.
The entire bridge rests on timber piles. Unique to this bridge, the main piers rest on concrete blocks.
Overall, the bridge remains in fair condition. The bridge is located in a very scenic location, in the Amnicon Falls State Park.
The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be accessed from the trail it carries.