The line served as a principle mainline between the iron range and the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superor.
Because of this, the entire line was heavily built with double tracked standards. While expensive, this ensured the best service would occur on the line.
The DM&N merged together with the Duluth & Iron Range Railroad to form the Duluth, Missabe & Iron Range Railroad in 1938.
The DM&IR continued to operate this line. Unfortunately, traffic took a significant fall after the Second World War, and the line was downgraded to a branch.
By 1977, the DM&IR abandoned the line. In the 1990s, the State of Minnesota took ownership of the line.
Currently, the line serves as the Alborn-Pengilly Rail Trail between the namesake towns.
08/18/21
Located near the ghost town of Elmer, this deck girder bridge crosses the St. Louis River.
Built in 1906, the bridge features three deck girder spans, set onto concrete substructures. The bridge was originally constructed for double tracks.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. The deck has been partially removed on the former southbound track, while the northbound track is a trail.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | BNSF St. Louis River Bridge |
| Downstream | Brookston Rail Bridge |