This connection came in 1858 when the final track was completed between Portage and La Crosse. After the completion, the railroad filed for bankruptcy and became the Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad in 1861.
While this was going on, a bridge was built across the Mississippi River for the St. Paul & Chicago Railroad in 1873. Soon after the completion between St. Paul and La Crescent (opposite of La Crosse) and the bridge, the two railroads merged forming the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad. These lines created an extremely competitive railroad between the Milwaukee and St. Paul.
By 1902, the line was becoming increasingly busy. As a result, it was double tracked in its entirety between St. Paul and Milwaukee with the exception of the Mississippi and Black River Bridges (which were rebuilt that year).
In 1915, with the looming pacific extension the railroad was renamed the Chicago, Milwaukee St. Paul & Pacific Railroad. (CMStP&P)
By 1977, the railroad was struggling mightily. This line was considered a core line, and stuck it out until the end. In 1985, Soo Line purchased the Milwaukee Road.
Nearly immediately, Candian Pacific, the current owners of this line purchased the Soo Line. Today, the line sees quite a bit of traffic. It is known as the Tomah Subdivision.
12/03/21
This massive deck truss bridge is an icon in Wisconsin Dells, which has become a major tourist destination over the past decades.
The area used to be known as Kilbourn, and this bridge was identified with that community.
The bridge contains a pair of 6-panel, pin connected Pratt Deck Trusses, which sit on concrete substructures.
These spans are approached by deck girder spans, one of which rests on a stone abutment. The newer span over Broadway was built in 1955 and rests on a concrete abutment.
1904 photo of the bridge
This bridge was built in 1903 to replace an older Whipple Deck Truss span.
One unique feature of the bridge was the double deck design. The bottom of the truss originally carried a road.
This road was likely discontinued by 1955, when the new Broadway Bridge was built. This new span crosses WI-31, WI-16 and WI-23.
Overall, the bridge is a local landmark. However, this does not mask the structural problems that have begun to form in the deteriorating structure. H-Columns have had to be installed to prevent the upper deck from failing.
In addition, the former westbound track has not been used in some time. This could be because of load ratings.
The bridge is rated as regionally significant, because of the landmark status to the area, as well as the odd combination design. This bridge is also likely a candidate for replacement within the near future, elevating its status even more.
The author hopes that if the will ever came to be, the bottom deck could be reused as a observation and pedestrian deck. The photo above is an overview.
| Upstream | Dellwood Rail Bridge |
| Downstream | Merrimac Rail Bridge |