By 1870, the line would be completed to East Plattsmouth, Iowa. This location was set on the Missouri River.
Just across the river, in Plattsmouth, the Burlington and Missouri River Railroad of Nebraska continued building west.
The railroad reached Ashland by 1870, and Lincoln later that year. The expansion would continue west, ultimately reaching Denver.
The lines were purchased by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in 1875. To the east, the Iowa line connected to Chicago, via Burlington.
By 1880, the CB&Q completed a large bridge across the Missouri River at Plattsmouth, connecting the two lines.
Throughout the early 20th century, the line would be upgraded. In Iowa, many sections were constructed double track between Creston and Pacific Junction.
In Nebraska, the Ashland to Lincoln section was constructed double track in 1910.
The line served as a broader connection, connecting Denver and Chicago.
By 1970, the CB&Q merged with Great Northern and Northern Pacific to form Burlington Northern.
In 1996, BN merged with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe to form BNSF Railway, who currently owns this line.
Presently, the Creston to Lincoln section is known as the Creston Subdivision, and sees a steady traffic base.
06/26/21
Located east of Prescott, this small deck girder bridge crosses Tulip Avenue.
Built in 1902 during a line relocation, this bridge features a single deck girder span, set onto concrete substructures. The westbound span was replaced in approximately 2000 with a modular concrete span.
This is one of several deck girder bridges built as overpasses. Unfortunately, very few survive, as most were replaced with concrete spans.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair condition, with minor deterioration noted on the bridge.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.