This bridge was part of the Chicago & Northwestern mainline across the state of Minnesota. A new route was built south of the Minnesota River between Mankato and New Ulm, reducing the importance of this line. The C&NW eventually abandoned this line, with the exception of a small spur that runs south out of New Ulm, across the river, and about 2 miles past the river. It serves a very large rock quary operation.

While I don't have an exact date on this bridge, it has been suggested to me that this is the original 1880 structure. The bridge appears to have had some recent repair work done to stabalize the piers. In fact, the swing span appears to be bolted into the closed position, and there is no mechanism present to operate the bridge. That suggests that this bridge has not operated in many years, and may possibly never have been opened.