In Freeport, the line connected to the existing Illinois Central line between Cairo and Iowa. Also in Freeport, the CM&N was building north towards Madison, Wisconsin.
The line was completed by 1890, and became an instant mainline for the Illinois Central. It shortened milage between Iowa and Chicago by nearly 200 miles.
The line also was the fourth into Rockford, which became an important stop for the railroad. In addition, the line bypassed Elgin, but still met with the critical lines heading into Elgin.
The line was double tracked in 1895 between Chicago and Broadview.
The railroad was operated by the Illinois Central, but became a part of it entirely in 1903.
The railroad has seen virtually no changes since it opened. The railroad continues to follow I-55 into Chicago, where it meets up on the south side of Chicago with the mainline towards Centralia.
In 1972, the Illinois Central was renamed the Illinois Central Gulf, after a merger with the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad.
By 1988, the line was spun off to a subsidiary named Chicago, Central & Pacific. In 1998, the Illinois Central and subsidiaries were purchased by Canadian National Railway, who currently operates the railroad.
The line is operated as the Freeport Subdivision, which sees a fair amount of traffic.
07/17/21
Located near the former station of Perryville, this large truss bridge crosses the Kishwaukee River.
Built in 1904, these two 6-panel pin connected Pratt Through Trusses were built to replace an older truss bridge of unknown type. They are constructed of standard design, and sit on stone and concrete substructures.
Trusses like these can be found on this route in particular. The style of portal bracing was an IC standard.
Today, the bridge has remained rather unchanged. Canadian National upgraded the bridge floor by replacing the bottom bracing. This change does not significantly affect the historical integrity of the bridge, and it also will allow for a much longer service life.
The bridge can be accessed on either side from surrounding park land. Foot trails from the end of Barley Ridge Trail get to the northwest of the bridge, while the trails in Deer Run Park cross underneath the east end.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Recent rehabilitation should assure for a lengthened service life.
The author has ranked the bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design.
The photo above is an overview, looking west.
| Upstream | Cherry Valley Rail Bridge |
| Downstream | IR Kishwaukee River Bridge |