At the same time, the Chicago, Clinton & Dubuque built from Dubuque to Sabula Junction. Combined, this line created a considerable sized line, able to connect to Saint Paul and Milwaukee from the North, and Chicago, Cedar Rapids and Davenport on the South.
Combined, the lines totalled 180 miles along the Mississippi River.
By 1880, both lines became part of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway. They operated this as a mainline, as they understood the importance of the connection.
In addition, the line extended to Davenport and eventually Kansas City.
In 1913, pending the pacific extension, the road name was lengthened to the Chicago, Milwaukee St. Paul & Pacific Railway (Milwaukee Road).
With the Milwaukee Road struggling heavily in the 1980s, they were purchased by the Soo Line in 1985. The Soo became part of the Canadian Pacific in the same year.
In 1997, the Canadian Pacific sold this line, and many others to the I&M Rail Link, which couldn't turn a profit. They were reorganized into the Iowa, Chicago & Eastern in 2002, which became affiliated with the
Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern.
In 2008, the DM&E became part of the Canadian Pacific again, who currently operates it as a subsidiary. It is currently known as the Marquette Subdivision.
06/26/21
Located in the town of Lansing, this small through girder bridge crosses Clear Creek along Front Street.
Built in 1939, likely to replace an older girder, this structure consists of a single through girder span, set onto concrete substructures. It follows a standard design for the time.
Currently, the bridge is operated by Canadian Pacific subsidiary Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern.
The bridge in the background is the Blackhawk Bridge, which carries IA-9 and WI-82 across the Mississippi.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition.
The author has ranked the bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is looking north along the bridge.