In 1876 and 1877, they built from Fremont, Nebraska to Valparasio, Nebraska.
By 1880, construction began of a new line between Valparasio and Linclon. The line would be further extended in 1884, reaching Beatrice that same year.
The railroad would allow connections between Fremont and Lincoln, as well as to Beatrice.
By 1898, the railroad became part of the Union Pacific Railroad, which owned many other lines in the area.
Union Pacific continued to operate this line as a branch line, although many of the connecting railroads would be abandoned.
By 2001, Union Pacific abandoned the portion south of Lincoln. It has been turned into the Jamaica North Trail and the Homestead Trail, which now connects all the way to Marysville, Kansas.
The remaining portions are now part of the Lincoln Subdivision.
06/26/21
Located on the west side of Lincoln, this beautiful Quadrangular Through Truss Bridge is one of two truss bridges over Salt Creek near the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Campus.
This bridge, and the Abandoned Bridge sit right behind the baseball fields for the college.
According to Union Pacific Railroad documents when this line was initially abandoned, this bridge was built in 1899. Numerous photos can be seen on the Internet of this bridge without rails. It is believed the bridge was abandoned until approximately 2012, when rails were relaid over the bridge.
However, it is also possible that the span was also relocated to the present location at an unknown time. It appears that the wooden substructures may indicate this bridge was indeed relocated.
The area around this bridge was once filled with rail yards. This bridge allowed for Union Pacific trains to connect between yards.
The bridge is a single riveted Quadrangular Through Truss. It is approached by trestle and is set upon wooden substructures.
The portal bracing is similar to the Saltillo Bridge south of Lincoln.
The Quadrangular Through Truss design is relatively rare around the country. However, it is rather common in the midwest; where the Rock Island and the Chicago & North Western swore by the design.
This design is an interesting adaption of the traditional Lassig design. It was built using a standardized Union Pacific design.
Unfortunately, the builders plaques for this bridge have been removed. The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the design.
The photo above is an overview.