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 small through girder bridge crosses county road D36 near Rockwell City.
Built in 1934, the bridge consists of a single through girder span, set onto concrete substructures. In addition, the bridge is approached by a series of concrete slab spans.
When first constructed, the bridge was built to cross US Highway 20. However, the highway was relocated several miles to the north in 2010 as part of an effort to widen the road across Iowa.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition. Some deterioration can be found on the superstructure and substructure.
The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.