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.
02/25/23
This bridge is another highly significant and scenic structure crossing the Root River on the Root River Trail.
Built in 1910, the bridge reused span #1 of the 1888 Des Moines River Bridge between Madrid and Woodward, Iowa. Span #2 was reused as the westernmost span at Clairemont Avenue Rail BridgeEau Claire, Wisconsin, while span #3 was reused at Bridge #AA-930, Grand River; Mobridge, South Dakota. That span was replaced in approximately 1961. An additional girder span from the 1888 bridge was reused at Chaska, Minnesota.
Historic photo of the bridge
Currently, the bridge consists of a single 135' pin connected Warren Through Truss span, set onto stone and concrete substructures.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition.
The author has ranked this bridge as regionally significant, due to the old age and relocation history.
The photo above is looking east across the structure. Overview shots of this bridge prove to be a challenge, and often end in wide angles.
| Upstream | Root River Trail Bridge #2 |
| Downstream | Lanesboro Trail Bridge (E) |