After being quickly absorbed by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway Company, affectionately known as the Milwaukee Road, construction continued west.
By 1857, the railroad reached Portage and Wisconsin Dells, a considerable length away from Watertown.
By the following year, the railroad had pretty much reached New Lisbon, and quickly connected to La Crosse.
The line would provide for a fast route between Chicago and the Twin Cities, but included Milwaukee as well.
In 1912, with a growing pacific expansion, the Milwaukee Road changed its official name to the Chicago, Milwaukee St. Paul & Pacific Railway.
The line, along with the Milwaukee Road was purchased in 1985 by the Soo Line, which in turn was purchased by Canadian Pacific.
Canadian Pacific is the current operator of this line, with the line being considered as the Watertown Subdivision from Milwaukee to Portage.
The line is heavily used, and remains one of the busiest rail lines in Wisconsin.
06/26/21
This small concrete and stone arch bridge crosses the Oconomowoc River east of Oconomowoc.
This bridge is an example of an early 1900s arch that was built as a concrete arch, but included a stone and brick lining. This stone lining is included because it makes the arch super strong on the outside, and the interior arch is constructed of brick.
Concrete oftentimes crumbles in the arch lining. Using stone creates a durable lining. In addition, the interior is lined with brick.
This bridge was built in 1902, likely to replace a truss. At this time; the line was double tracked. This bridge sits parallel to WI-16.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common nature of this design. However, the arch lining is a unique feature and a very innovative way to build a bridge that lasts.
The photo above is an overview.