In 1856, the same railroad continued building southwest to Sullivan, which would be completed in 1858. The railroad continued building southwest in 1859. By the end of the year, they would reach Cuba, and by 1860 would reach Rolla.
Construction came to a halt for the time being, and this branch of the Pacific Railroad of Missouri changed its name to the Southwest Pacific Railroad, and continued building to Arlington.
In 1868, the railroad would be deeded to the South Pacific Railroad, who continued to build southwest to Huban. By 1870, the railroad would reach Pierce City. The railroad had a major stop in Springfield, Missouri in this new segment.
The railroad became a part of the Atlantic & Pacific Railroad in 1870, and eventually became a part of the Frisco Line (St. Louis-San Francisco Railway) in 1876.
The line used Missouri Pacific trackage between St. Louis and Pacific, which was an issue to the Frisco, which competed directly against the Missouri Pacific. To solve this, they built their own line into St. Louis, which paralleled the Missouri Pacific line.
The Frisco operated this as a mainline, with numerous connections at Springfield. Through the 1880s, the line would be extended southwards into Arkansas and Oklahoma.
With the Frisco becoming a significant player in the region, the Burlington Northern purchased them in 1980. In turn, Burlington Northern merged with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad in 1996 to form BNSF Railway.
BNSF Railway is the current operator of this line. It is presently known as the Cuba Subdivision, and sees a heavy base of traffic.
09/20/21
This historic tunnel was built when the Frisco built their own line into Saint Louis, but was inevitably abandoned when the Frisco created a bypass in 1929.
The tunnel is a short structure, only 475 feet total. It contains brick and stone features. These include a brick lining inside the tunnel. The exterior has been constructed of stone.
Presently, the tunnel is a deteriorated condition, although a nature trail which leads to the east portal is open. These portals have been sealed off with gates and brick.
Fortunately, the tunnel has been at least partially preserved. It is a landmark in the City of Kirkwood.
The author ranks this bridge as moderately significant, because it is a good example of a well preserved historic structure.
The photo above is an overview. The author hopes to get more photos soon.