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 The original swing bridge was constructed by Andrew Carnegie and operated by the Dunleith & Dubuque Bridge Company. Going into service in December 1868, 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. Operation Because of a 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. See also List of crossings of the Upper Mississippi River References External links USACE.mil Dubuque Rail Bridge clearances Bridges over the Mississippi River Railroad bridges in Iowa Railroad bridges in Illinois Bridges completed in 1868 Buildings and structures in Dubuque, Iowa Transportation buildings and structures in Jo Daviess County, Illinois Canadian National Railway bridges in the United States Illinois Central Railroad Transportation in Dubuque, Iowa Bridges in Dubuque County, Iowa 1868 establishments in Iowa 1868 establishments in Illinois Interstate railroad bridges in the United States