Dubuque Rail Bridge

The Dubuque Rail Bridge is a railway crossing spanning the Mississippi River between Dubuque, Iowa and East Dubuque, Illinois. A movable swing section in the middle allows boats and barges to pass through when needed.

An earlier bridge crossed this location starting in 1868, but the current structure was built in two phases during the 1890s. Leading engineering firms of the time designed and constructed this improved version.

The bridge represents the evolution of railroad infrastructure in the Midwest, connecting communities across the Mississippi River while facilitating regional economic development.

A freight rail line operates regular train service across this single-track structure, which received major reinforcement work in recent years. You can view the bridge from several vantage points along the riverbank on both sides.

The railway approach on the Illinois side passes through a quarter-mile tunnel carved directly into a steep riverbank bluff. This hidden tunnel section often surprises visitors who focus only on the bridge itself.

Location: Iowa

Location: Illinois

Official opening: December 1868

GPS coordinates: 42.49860,-90.65030

Latest update: December 13, 2025 12:21