- 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 standard deck girder bridge crosses Keith Creek along Railroad Avenue.
Built in 1913, the bridge consists of a single deck girder span, set onto concrete substructures. In addition, this span contains a ballasted deck.
It is worth noting that while standard, this bridge does contain spans built in both 1912 and 1913. Typically, this indicates one was fabricated the year prior. It appears these spans were likely standard designs for the railroad.
Overall, the remaining girder span appears to be in fair condition. Some significant spalling can be found on the substructures.
The author has ranked this bridge as being locally significant, due to the common design.
The photo above is an overview.