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Dubuque Rail Bridge

Dubuque Rail Bridge
The Dubuque Railroad Bridge.
Coordinates42°29′55″N 90°39′01″W / 42.49861°N 90.65028°W / 42.49861; -90.65028
CarriesSingle rail track
CrossesMississippi River
LocaleDubuque, Iowa and East Dubuque, Illinois
Maintained byCanadian National Railway
Characteristics
DesignTruss Bridge with Swing-span
History
OpenedDecember 1868
Location
Map
Interactive map of Dubuque Rail Bridge

The Dubuque Rail Bridge carries a single rail line across the Mississippi River between Dubuque, Iowa, and East Dubuque, Illinois, near river mile 580. It is currently operated by Canadian National Railway as a result of their 1999 purchase of Illinois Central Railroad.

History

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Share of the Dunleith & Dubuque Bridge Co., unissued

The original swing bridge was constructed by Andrew Carnegie and operated by the Dunleith & Dubuque Bridge Company. Going into service in December 1868,[1] it primarily was used by the Illinois Central Railroad. It was rebuilt in the 1890s.

The current Dubuque Rail Bridge has 5 spans and a swing-span. It has been altered somewhat over the years, with last rehabilitation in 2012, but so far has retained the fixed center pier.[2]

Operation

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Dubuque rail bridge
1915 map of the Dunleith and Dubuque Bridge Company

Because of a 150-foot (46 m) bluff very close to the Mississippi riverbank on the Illinois side, about 1/2 mile south of the bridge the approaching railroad track diverges away from the main tracks (and the river) to enter a 1/4-mile tunnel, which then curves about 90-degrees so the bridge track can cross the continuing tracks running adjacent to the river.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. Ringwalt, J.L. (1888). "Development of Early Transportation Systems in the United States". Retrieved August 8, 2008.
  2. "Dubuque Railroad Bridge (Illinois Central Bridge W182)". "Historic Bridges. Retrieved March 3, 2022.
  3. "Canadian National Railroad Bridge, Dubuque, IA". www.johnweeks.com.
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