On the east end, the line had to cross through the most difficult terrain in the state, often requiring following and crossing the Root River, as well as following valleys and hills. However, once past Spring Valley, the grading would become much easier.
By 1878, the line was extended from Winnebago to Flandreau, South Dakota, an additional 138 miles.
The following year, the line would reach into Sioux Falls. At the same time, in 1880, the Southern Minnesota Railroad would be purchased by the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway.
The railroad changed its name to the Chicago, Milwaukee St. Paul & Pacific Railway in 1928.
The Milwaukee Road was often times a poor railroad, and this accelerated its demise.
A major 100 mile section would be abandoned in 1980 from La Crescent to Ramsey, where it met another Milwaukee Road Mainline.
In addition, the portion west of Jackson to Sioux Falls would be abandoned the same year.
While typical abandonments include property either sitting with the railroad, or being reverted to landowners, this segment was different.
The portion from Ramsey to Dexter was kept in public hands, and from Dexter to Money Creek Woods was kept as a trail.
The Milwaukee Road was purchased by the Soo Line in 1985. Soo Line in turn sold this line to Iowa, Chicago & Eastern in 1997.
IC&E eventually came part of the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern, who in turn merged with Canadian Pacific in 2008. CP currently operates the line between Ramsey and Jackson.
06/24/23
The eastern of two bridges in Lanesboro, this bridge was built using a variety of spans.
The main span of the bridge is a 6-panel, pin connected Pratt Pony Truss, built in 1899 at this location. This span is identical to several other spans on the Milwaukee Road, and was possibly built by Lassig Bridge & Iron Works.
In 1910, it became desirable to replace the trestle approach of the bridge. As a result, three "double strength" girders, fabricated in 1883, were taken from Bridge #B-6 over the Menomonee River at Milwaukee and converted to deck girders. However, one span was damaged during transport, requiring another span to be found.
The third girder was stored at the Wabasha Yard, and originally from Bridge #L-260 over the Vermillion River at Hastings, Minnesota, built in 1894. The other two girders from that bridge continue to exist at Bridge #I-1108; Richland, Iowa.
The bridge sits on stone, concrete and timber substructures, and is approached by trestle spans on the east end.
The two 1883 girders are "twinned" or "double strength", which is a common alteration when older girders require more strength for continued use. It is believed that the girders were twinned prior to being moved here.
Currently, the bridge consists of the following spans, set onto concrete, stone and timber substructures:
105' pin connected Pratt Pony Truss
2-66'4" deck plate girders
60' deck plate girder
1 span pile trestle
One substructure supporting the 2nd and 3rd girder spans was rebuilt in 1932 by Peppard & Fulton. In addition, it appears the substructures were rebuilt in 2011, when the DNR invested significant money in repairing this trail, as it was 30 years old at the time.
The significance of the approach girders cannot be overstated. Originally fabricated in 1879, these are among the oldest girders currently known.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. Like other structures in the area, this highly significant structure should not be overlooked.
The author has ranked the bridge as being regionally significant, due to the old age and relocation history.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | Lanesboro Trail Bridge (W) |
| Downstream | Confluence with N. Branch Root River |
| Downstream | Root River Trail Bridge #5 |