To reach Black Hawk, the railroad constructed the open framework of diagonal braces or trestles to span the the region's gulches. The steep slopes required the train to reverse direction on switched, zig-zag tracks.

"The bridge is here, and is being removed from the depot to the place of erection.three spans, the northerly and middle spans being each 65 feet in length... and the southerly span 45 feet. The bridge proper cost $4,500; the bridge and masonry work about $6,000... the bridge will be ready for the passage of trains in about ten days."

- Register, 1878