- 1884: 16 miles completed between Wyeville and Necedah, Wisconsin by the Princeton and Western Railway
- 1911: 125 miles completed from Necedah to Butler, Wisconsin by the Milwaukee, Sparta & North Western Railway
- Double track constructed between Butler and Clyman Junction
- Connection to Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railway mainline at Wyeville, providing faster connection to the Twin Cities
- 1912: 23 miles completed from Wyeville to Sparta, Wisconsin by the Milwaukee, Sparta & North Western Railway
- 1912: Princeton and Western acquired by the Milwaukee, Sparta & North Western Railway
- 1912: MS&NW acquired by the Chicago & North Western Railway
- 1959: Second track removed from Butler to Clyman
- 1972: Tunnel collapse at Tunnel City, Wisconsin
- 1977: Line abandoned between Tunnel City and Sparta due to tunnel collapse
- 1995: Chicago & North Western purchased by Union Pacific Railroad
- 1995-Present: Union Pacific operates the Adams Subdivision from Butler to Adams
- 1995-Present: Union Pacific operates the Wyeville Subdivision from Adams to Wyeville
- 1995-Present: Union Pacific operates the Winona Subdivision from Wyeville to Tunnel City
06/16/22
This large bridge crosses both the Yellow River and former Milwaukee Road tracks in downtown Necedah.
The bridge was built in 1911 as part of the cutoff across Wisconsin. It features a large Quadrangular Through Truss, which has 8 panels and riveted connections.
In addition, three deck girder spans and a through girder span also approach the bridge. These spans rest on concrete substructures.
The bridge has always held a single track since its construction, although the truss and through girder have room for a second track. To add a second track, only three deck girders would need to be added.
The truss is also a massive example of the Quadrangular Through Truss. It contains very heavy members and an M frame portal.
One interesting feature is the different builders of the spans. Pennsylvania Steel Company built the main truss, while King Bridge Company built the girder spans.
Construction of bridge
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the common design in the area.
The former Milwaukee Road is now owned by Canadian National. The photo above is an overview.