- 1836: Galena and Chicago Union Railroad charted between Chicago and Galena, Illinois
- 1849: 11 miles completed from West Chicago to Elgin, Illinois by the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad
- 1852: 52 miles completed from Elgin to Rockford, Illinois by the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad
- 1853: 28 miles completed from Rockford to Freeport, Illinois by the Galena and Chicago Union Railroad
- 1864: G&CU consolidated with the Chicago & North Western Railway
- 1972: Winnebago to Freeport segment abandoned
- 1981: Rockford to Winnebago segment abandoned
- 1980s: Rockford to Freeport segment purchased by Commonwealth Edison
- 1995: Chicago & North Western purchased by Union Pacific Railroad
- 1995-Present: Union Pacific operates the Belvidere Subdivision from West Chicago to Rockford
- 2010-Present: Pecatonica Prairie Path gradually developed on Rockford to Freeport segment
06/26/21
This historic truss bridge crosses the Pecatonica River just west of Ridott.
Built in 1886, the bridge features a pair of riveted Quadrangular Through Trusses. These trusses are built with a standard pedimented portal bracing, typical of the Lassig Bridge & Iron Works.
While the bridge has since been abandoned, it is scheduled to become part of the Pecatonica Prairie Trail. It is hoped that it is reused for the trail, as some bridges have been replaced with modern pedestrian bridges.
The bridge also features stone substructures, which have been heavily reinforced. They may date to the 1850s or 1860s.
This truss is a good example of a multiple span structure along this route. It is also the oldest truss, with a similar truss having been replaced in the 1980s.
Overall, the bridge appears to be in good condition. The trusses appear to be in good condition, while the substructures will need work for trail conversion.
The author has ranked the bridge as being regionally significant, due to the good historic integrity of the structure.
The photo above is looking from the west bank.
Pecatonica River Railroad Bridges
| Upstream | MILW Pecatonica River Bridge (Freeport) |
| Downstream | Confluence With Rock River |