Information for Redlands, California Santa Fe Freight Line?

[Anonymous]

Can anyone give me any information on the line that runs in Redlands? [B)] I don't see any trains, but it's like a trip back in time the farther you go[:0] When you first see it from the freeway, you see modern day crossings, then the crossings turn to Wig-Wag signals, then you start seeing older stuff like buildings, weeds on the tracks, old Redlands Santa Fe depot, etc. Thank you.[;)][8D]

[MP57313]

The first mile from the junction in San Bernardino has been substantially rebuilt with new rail, concerete ties, etc. This was done in advance of a future Metrolink extension to Redlands. I don't know if there are any current plans to extend the track upgrades further east.

The Redlands depot was used by taxis and buses in the 60s and 70s but they have all moved on now. There have been plans over the years to open a restaurant in the station but none of those ever came to be. There is a coffee house in the small building near Orange Ave.

In Redlands, there is a shipper near the Texas Ave. crossing (feed mill) that regularly gets covered hoppers. A few blocks east of Orange Ave. there is a team track that occasionally got a covered hopper now and then, but I don't know if that's still in use.

Last time I was there (a year ago) there was an "end of track" sign just east of Church St., right next to the I-10 bridge. The rails continue for another mile or so to what used to be the Wabash Ave. crossing. The grade crossings are paved over in this last section.

I don't know about current train operations, but if you are interested in history there is an engine and some railcars on display at the San Bernardino Museum (between San Bernardino and Redlands).

Years ago the Santa Fe Redlands branch was part of a loop that rejoined the mainline in San Bernardino. The northern end of the loop started disappearing in the 50s and the cut backs continue year-by-year.

Redlands was also served by the SP but that line has been gone since the 80s. A remnant can be found...it is the small truss bridge at the northeast corner of Texas St and Redlands Blvd.

[Elrond Lawrence]

Also, sadly, the cool wigwags that once guarded California Street have since been replaced with gates and flashers. The sole remaining wigwag can be found at New Jersey St., at the west end of Redlands. It's still a wonderful line to photograph though, especially during the crisp & clear fall /winter days (like now!).

Elrond

[MP57313]

QUOTE: Originally posted by El4short
[The sole remaining wigwag can be found at New Jersey St

Not Nevada St.?

Forgot to mention there is another larger truss bridge you can see, from a different SP (former PE) line that went to North Redlands. It is where the line crossed the Santa Ana River. It is much bigger than the truss bridge near Texas St.