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.
10/24/21
Located near New Albin, this large girder bridge crosses the Upper Iowa River along IA-26.
Built in 1986 to replace an older pin connected truss, this structure features a through girder with trestle approaches.
Bridges like these are common to span waterways of all sizes, due to the durability and ease of construction of girders. In addition, large girders were oftentimes used to replace trusses during rebuilds.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in excellent condition.
Historic photo of the previous bridge
The author has ranked this bridge as being minimally significant, due to the common design and newer age.
The photo above is an overview.