This new line would be completed in a staggering 208 days, opening in early 1899. The line was owned by the D&SC (which was a subsidiary of Illinois Central).
The line was also the most significant branch off the D&SC mainline through Iowa.
The new line connected mainly rural areas, and crossed into Omaha on a swing bridge over the Missouri River.
This bridge was leased from the Omaha Bridge and Terminal Railway Company.
When completed, the line was regarded as a mainline, connecting Nebraska to Chicago. East of Tara, the line connected Waterloo, Dubuque and Chicago.
By 1947, the IC fully absorbed any remains of the Dubuque & Sioux City Railroad. IC became the sole operator and proprietor of this line.
In 1972, the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio merged with IC to form the Illinois Central Gulf.
In 1985, operations of the ICG western division (west from Chicago) was spun off into the Chicago Central and Pacific Railroad.
By 1996, the railroad was repurchased by Illinois Central. Canadian National Railway purchased Illinois Central in 1999, and continues to operate the line as the Omaha Subdivision.
06/26/21
This beautiful truss bridge was built in 1899, during the line construction. However, it was not built at this location initially.
The original bridge at this location was a simple pile trestle. Approximately 1/5 of a mile east, a three span through girder bridge (2-45 foot spans and a 91 foot span) crossed the Boyer River.
In 1948, the Boyer River was rerouted to include a new crossing at this location. During the following two decades, the Boyer River was largely channelized, and several crossings eliminated.
Currently, this bridge features a single Pratt Through Truss main span. This span features pin connections and 5 panels.
In addition, the bridge is approached by Through Girder spans and trestle on either side. The substructures of the bridge consist of both concrete and timber.
It is believed the truss was originally constructed at Ascot, Iowa; approximately 50 miles west. A bridge there consisted of two 45' through girders and a 128'8" truss. This span was replaced in 1947.
At the current location, the truss is 126'8" long. An inspection of the bridge revealed the bridge was cut down by approximately two feet on each end. The two through girder spans were undoubtedly also built 1899, but may have come from either the former Boyer River crossing, the Ascot Bridge, or any other bridge along the route.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. The truss appears to be well maintained.
The author has ranked the bridge as being regionally significant, due to unique truss and relocation history.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | CN Boyer River Bridge #4 |
| Downstream | UP Boyer River Bridge #1 |