- 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
Located east of downtown Rockford, this small through girder bridge crosses 9th Street.
Built in 1890, the bridge originally consisted of a single through girder span, set onto stone substructures. Originally built as a double track structure, the second track is now unused.
In addition, the remaining track has been replaced with a modern steel stringer span. It is unknown when this track was replaced, although it was completed prior to 2007.
Overall, the remaining girder span is in poor condition. Significant section loss can be found on most members of the span, along with structural damage from truck strikes. It currently has had the deck completely removed.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design. Despite this, the bridge is a good example of an older generation girder.
The photo above is an overview.