This connection came in 1858 when the final track was completed between Portage and La Crosse. After the completion, the railroad filed for bankruptcy and became the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad in 1861.
While this was going on, a bridge was built across the Mississippi River for the St. Paul & Chicago Railroad in 1873. Soon after the completion between St. Paul and La Crescent (opposite of La Crosse) and the bridge, the two railroads merged forming the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. These lines created an extremely competitive railroad between the Milwaukee and St. Paul.
By 1902, the line was becoming increasingly busy. As a result, it was double tracked in its entirety between St. Paul and Milwaukee with the exception of the Mississippi and Black River Bridges (which were rebuilt that year).
In 1915, with the looming pacific extension the railroad was renamed the Chicago, Milwaukee St. Paul & Pacific Railroad. (CMStP&P)
By 1977, the railroad was struggling mightily. This line was considered a core line, and stuck it out until the end. In 1985, Soo Line purchased the Milwaukee Road.
Nearly immediately, Candian Pacific, the current owners of this line purchased the Soo Line. Today, the line sees quite a bit of traffic. It is known as the Tomah Subdivision.
06/26/21
Located in Bangor, this massive concrete arch bridge crosses Dutch Creek.
Built in 1911, the bridge was formed out of the abutments of what was an older deck girder span. These previous stone abutments can be easily seen at the ends of the bridge. The current bridge is a large single concrete arch span.
The 1911 bridge was likely built while the older bridge remained operational. It is likely that concrete was poured either underneath the older girders, or the bridge was shifted to the side.
Several large concrete arches were built throughout the Milwaukee Road system. Unlike some of the earlier spans, this span utilizes an expansion joint at the middle, to prevent unnecessary cracking.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is looking from the west bank.