The line was finished in 1871.
The name was changed to the Rock Island and Peoria Railway in 1877.
In 1903, the RI&P became a part of the much larger Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway. The Rock Island used this as a branch line.
The line was abandoned as the Rock Island began to struggle in 1963. From Toulon south to Peoria became a public trail in 1989.
The line from Rock Island to Toulon was liquidated to local land owners. One section still exists, from Rock Island to Milan.
Currently it is operated by the Iowa Interstate Railroad.
02/25/23
This bridge is one of two IAIS bridges across the Rock River here. Both these are part of Vandruff Island.
Built in 1884 this bridge consists of three riveted Quadrangular Through Truss spans, set onto concrete substructures. Unlike the southern bridge, the northern bridge spans were originally built here. Since the 1884 construction, the bridge has been updated with concrete substructures and strengthened trusses.
This bridge currently consists of three 155' spans, set onto concrete substructures. It is possible that these substructures have stone components underneath. It is known that the bridge was strengthened in 1929, likely with a new floor.
While the builder of the bridge is assumed to be Lassig Bridge & Iron Works, this has not yet been confirmed.
The author has ranked this bridge as being regionally significant, due to the old age.
The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | IAIS Rock River Bridge |
| South Channel | Vandruff Island Railroad Bridge (S) |
| Downstream | Confluence with Mississippi River |