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The Blair Railroad Bridge: A Historic Crossing Over the Missouri River

  The Blair Railroad Bridge, located near Blair, Nebraska, is a significant structure that has long served as a vital rail connection across the Missouri River. Originally constructed in 1883, this bridge was part of a larger effort by the Chicago & North Western Railway to improve transportation and commerce between the Midwest and the western United States. The bridge was notable for its early use of steel and for being among the first large-scale railroad bridges in the region. Its original design featured a series of truss spans—a common engineering solution for the era that provided both strength and flexibility. Over the decades, the structure has undergone numerous renovations to support heavier modern rail traffic and to ensure safety standards are met. Today, the Blair Railroad Bridge continues to play a key role in the region's rail network. It is primarily used for freight transportation, helping to move goods such as grain, coal, and manufactured products. The br...