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 west of Denison, this deck girder bridge crosses Willow Creek between US-30 and Lincoln Way.
Built in 1920, the bridge features a pair of deck girder spans set onto concrete substructures. An Illinois Central track profile lists these as being "secondhand", meaning they were built at another location before being moved and installed here. It is estimated that these girders were built 1900.
While the technique of reusing old spans is common, it is unknown where these spans came from. Nearby bridges were all built in the 1940s, 50s and 60s with relocated girders, however they follow the standard design for bridges along this route.
These girders appear to be slightly lighter and are a different design than other bridges along this route.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Minor deterioration has formed on the superstructure, but the substructure seems to be in excellent condition.
The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.