Prior to its bridging, the Mississippi River connected the country north to south, but was an obstacle for those going east to west.

The railroad relied on ferry boats to transport rail cars across the river into La Crosse, which cost a considerable amount of money and time.

In the winter months when the river froze over and boat traffic stopped, the railroad would lay down seasonal tracks across the ice and remove them by spring.

The railroad selected their optimal location in North La Crosse, bridging the Black River to French Island.

[4] The bridge is located over the west channel of the Mississippi River near Shore Acres and links to Minnesota Island.

The La Crosse Rail Bridge itself is located entirely on the Minnesota side of the river and is 1,050 feet, 11 inches long.

A section of the bridge swings on a pivot point, opening up two 150-foot- wide lanes for river traffic to pass through, similar to a gate.

Opening and closing the swing bridge takes about five minutes, which allowed the railroad to build a permanent track across the river to La Crosse without interfering with the towboats and barges that travel up and down the Mississippi.

River traffic has the right of way, and the swing bridge must even open for privately owned pleasure crafts or face fines from the Coast Guard.

The proposed plan would remove the swing bridge and install a lift span and create a 65-foot clearance and open a 300-foot wide lane for the boats.