CMSP&P Missouri River Bridge

 bridge, railway bridge

The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific Railroad built west from Chamberlain and on to Rapid City during 1906 and 1907. A floating pontoon bridge carried the railroad across the Missouri, similar to CMSP&P structures bridging the Mississippi at Prairie du Chien and Wabasha. This pontoon bridge was replaced in 1953 by the current bridge built by USACE as part of the Lake Francis Case project. The Milwaukee Road operated the line until March 1980, when the State of South Dakota (MRC Regional Railroad Authority) purchased it. The Dakota Southern Railway Co. began operations across the bridge west to Kadoka during May 1987. DSRC contracted eastward several years ago to become a shortline in Mitchell, SD, although they hope to resume operations in the future to the west side of the river. It is believed this was the longest bridge on the CMSP&P. America's railroads built 32 crossings over the Missouri River, of which 23 remain in use.
www.johnweeks.com/upper_missouri/pages/sd_mo_03.html
www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=767104
www.shaynes.com/Photos/Missouri/IMG_6837_pan.htm
cs.trains.com/forums/1173753/ShowPost.aspx