- 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 through girder bridge crosses Broadway Street.
Built in 1917, the bridge consists of a pair of through girder spans, set onto concrete and steel substructures. It is unknown if this is the original bridge at this location.
The bridge is built of standard design typical for grade separations. This includes a steel bent pier, set onto a concrete base.
Overall, the remaining girder span appears to be in fair condition. Some damage from truck strikes can be found on the bridge.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.