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 Deloit, this bridge is the fourth crossing of the Boyer River along this route.
Originally built in 1900, the bridge originally consisted of three deck girder spans. However, the center span and west approach were replaced in 1961 due to flooding and channelizing. The entire bridge rests on concrete substructures. The structure was erected by Illinois Central company forces.
There are numerous similar bridges along the route. It also appears that the bridge was raised in 1961, and the piers are a combination of older and newer concrete.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Since 1961, little alterations have been made to the bridge.
The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common designs.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | CN Boyer River Bridge #3 |
| Downstream | CN Boyer River Bridge #5 |