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 in Denison, this standard through girder bridge crosses the East Boyer River.
Built in 1966, the bridge features a single through girder main span. In addition, the approaches on the bridge consist of steel stringer spans, and the substructures consist of steel piles.
When the route was constructed, the original bridge here was a three span through girder. However, it is apparent that the river was channelized, requiring the need for a different bridge.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Portions of the old bridge abutments can be seen below the current bridge.
The author has ranked the bridge as being minimally significant, due to the common design and newer age.
The photo above is an overview.