Construction began in early 1863, starting in Omaha and progressing westward. Led by Thomas C. Durant, the route picked would follow the Platte River across Nebraska, and into the Rocky Mountains.
The main challenge of the eastern section was connecting Omaha to Fremont, a short distance. Yet the landscape provided many issues, with a hilly terrain.
By 1866, the road would be complete to Fremont. From here, it would continue west. It would reach the Central Pacific Railroad in 1869, at Promontory Point, Utah.
This completed the first transcontinental mainline.
By 1871, the Union Pacific Railroad aspired to build a bridge over the Missouri River into Council Bluffs. This would allow for connections to numerous eastern railroads, heading to Chicago and St. Louis.
The main connection was the Chicago & North Western, which built a mainline across Iowa, and to Chicago.
Because of the traffic this railroad inevitably would receive, an expansion was undertaken in the earliest part of the 20th century. This included double tracking the entire line to Fremont and further west.
The biggest portion was the Lane Cutoff, providing a straight route between Omaha and Waterloo, Nebraska. This opened in 1908.
The line survived the merger era with no alterations. By 1995, Union Pacific would acquire the Chicago & North Western.
Presently, the line is still one of the most significant mainlines in the country. It is known as the Omaha Subdivision, and is still owned by Union Pacific.
11/21/21
View an article regarding the construction of this route.
One of the trusses crossing over railroads in Omaha is this structure.
Located near I-80 and 60th Street, this bridge was built in 1906. Built to cross the Chicago & North Western Railway tracks, the bridge features a main 5-panel, riveted Baltimore Through Truss.
This main span has a portal style typical of Union Pacific bridges. The main span is approached by a pair of deck girder spans on either side. The main sits on concrete substructures, while the approach spans have steel tower supports.
Overall, the bridge is in good condition. Unfortunately, the bridge crosses an abandoned opening, and is a possible candidate for being filled in.
The author has ranked this bridge as being moderately significant, due to the uncommon design and endangered status.
The photo above is an overview. The bridge can be accessed from the rail grade underneath.