The line crossed across the Big Sioux a number of times, crossing between Iowa and South Dakota.
The line was merged into the Sioux City and Dakota Railroad in 1879.
By 1881, the line became a branch of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, also known as the Milwaukee Road.
In 1913, following an escapade to the Pacific Ocean, the railroad became known as the Chicago, Milwaukee St. Paul & Pacific Railway.
Heading north out of Sioux Falls, the Milwaukee Road also operated a branch to North Dakota.
By 1981, with the Milwaukee Road falling to bankruptcy, the Dakota & Iowa (D&I) Railroad was formed as a joint coalition between Iowa and South Dakota to operate the former branch to Sioux City.
Today, D&I continues to operate the line from Sioux Falls to Sioux City, as well as the Dell Rapids branch.
04/03/22
Located in the small town of Hudson, this pony truss bridge is one of several crossings of the Big Sioux River on this route.
Built in 1931 to replace an older bridge, this bridge consists of a riveted, 8-panel Warren Pony Truss with rounded edges. In addition, the bridge is approached by steel stringer trestle spans on either side, which were upgraded in the 2010s. The bridge rests on concrete and timber substructures.
This style truss was commonly used in the late 1920s and early 1930s by the Milwaukee Road to replace aging trusses and girders. The truss itself is heavily built, consisting of massive rolled members. An identical truss can be found just north of here at Fairview.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in fair to good condition, with no major deterioration noted. The bridge was accessed from public wildlife areas in Hudson.
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the truss design.
The photo above is an overview.