However, work did not start until 1905, when a 103 mile route connecting a mainline at Asland, Nebraska would be built northwards to Sioux City.
Completed in 1906, the route quickly became a part of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in 1908.
The route served as a secondary mainline, allowing competition with other major railroads.
The CB&Q continued to operate the route until 1970, when they merged with Great Northern and Northern Pacific to form Burlington Northern Railway.
BN continued mainline operations until they were merged with Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe to form BNSF Railway.
BNSF is the current operator of this line. It remains a mainline, known as the Sioux City Subdivision.
06/26/21
This standard through girder bridge crosses Maple Creek north of Nickerson.
Likely built in 1906, the bridge contains a single through girder span, and is approached by modern concrete stringer spans.
Originally, it appears that the bridge was set onto wooden substructures. However, these were replaced when the original trestle approaches were updated.
Resting entirely on steel H-Pile piers, this bridge remains in good condition.
The author ranks this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview of the bridge