The line was a short spur from the main line.
By 1869, the Sioux City and Pacific Railroad took control of the short spur, and continued building west.
To get from Iowa to Nebraska meant to cross the Missouri River. This was accomplished by barge, and in the winter, ice crossing.
The railroad was opened to Fremont, Nebraska by 1869. At Fremont, it would connect to the Union Pacific Transcontinental Mainline.
The line was a short bypass of Omaha, connecting to the Chicago & North Western Railway at Missouri Valley.
By 1883, a bridge would be built across the river at Blair.
In 1901, the C&NW purchased the Sioux City and Pacific Railroad. The line continued to serve as a smalltime bypass.
By the 1960s, with many consolidations well underway, the line became more important. It allowed coal and intermodal trains to bypass the congested Omaha area.
By 1995, C&NW was purchased by Union Pacific. Union Pacific continues to operate this line as the Blair Subdivision.
It is considered one of the most high priority Union Pacific lines, and is in the process of being upgraded to allow seamless operations.
06/26/21
This very simple I-Beam and trestle span crosses Fish Creek on what was once known as the West River Industrial Lead.
Built in 1930, this bridge contains a simple construction. A main I-Beam span is approached by pile trestles on either side. The substructures are all of wooden construction.
The bridge has little significance, although it was built in 1930. The spur serves a few agricultural industries, which were built at the same time as this bridge.
The author has ranked this bridge as being minimal significance, due to the common design and newer age.
The photo above is an overview.