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
Located near Dunlap, this through girder bridge crosses the Boyer River.
Built in 1899, the bridge features a trio of through girder spans. However, the bridge has had its substructures updated since the original construction. Currently, it sits on both concrete and timber substructures.
Unlike other bridges along this route, it is unknown if these spans were relocated here. However, the author believes it may be likely.
This route once crossed the Boyer River almost two dozens times, although most of these crossings have since been filled in. This through girder design was standard for the Boyer River crossings.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | CN Boyer River Bridge #7 |
| Downstream | UP Boyer River Bridge #3 |