A friend advises that a wooden trestle over a deep ravine about eighteen miles east from Sanderson, TX has completely burned. This will not be an easy 'fix'.
It should be easy IF previous structure was a trestle. Install new concrete trestle. Should take no more than 48 hours.
Mac
This ravine is perhaps 40 feet deep and the piling has also burned so more than concrete decks will be needed
At that height it may be a frame trestle rather than a pile trestle. It can make a difference in rebuilding, but generally wood trestles can be replaced fairly quickly. The design was often used in early railroad construction because it was cheapest and fastest to build. In dry climates the wood has a much longer life.
cx500,
All true, but the question is: What is UP's current standard for new construction? I would bet dollars to donuts it is concrete.
CN proved that a large wooden trestle can be replaced in 3 weeks:
https://www.klohn.com/blog/project-in-focus-mayerthorpe-rail-bridge-replacement/
The new bridge is of course constructed of concrete and steel, with large fills at each end.
Greetings from Alberta
-an Articulate Malcontent
SD 70 mentions fill. The UP may have simply slapped a culvert of suitable size in the bottom of the gulch and filled the former bridge space in, or done both, filled ends if long and relatively low then put as few as one bridge spans in.
Brings up a long term question. How many of the bridges oon the Sunset route are vulnerable to burning or flood damage and what is UP's long term plan to eliminate thoose problems ?
PNWRMNM cx500, All true, but the question is: What is UP's current standard for new construction? I would bet dollars to donuts it is concrete. Mac
Quite agree, but sometimes it depends on the immediate availability of the materials, and the urgency to put the line back in operation. Often concrete deck slabs are on hand. The substructure is a different situation and steel members may be more appropriate for that portion. Or, as already noted, culverts and a big fill will eliminate the bridge entirely.
Has anyone seen this on on any news outlets?
Was looking for some pictures.
PNWRMNM SD 70 mentions fill. The UP may have simply slapped a culvert of suitable size in the bottom of the gulch and filled the former bridge space in, or done both, filled ends if long and relatively low then put as few as one bridge spans in.
CatFoodFlambe PNWRMNM SD 70 mentions fill. The UP may have simply slapped a culvert of suitable size in the bottom of the gulch and filled the former bridge space in, or done both, filled ends if long and relatively low then put as few as one bridge spans in. Would a railroad be able to install a culvert without having to file for all sorts of environment-effect studues?
Would a railroad be able to install a culvert without having to file for all sorts of environment-effect studues?
Unfortunately, the operating side is probably whining, bawling, complaining somewhere because it it isn't business as usual, how much is it gonna cost and when do they get their railroad back (to the nearest ten seconds and fifty cents)?
Time for structures, track and engineering to "up" their game. Showtime!
What the (cuss word here) is the Sunset Route doing with a wood trestle, still, in these days??
LensCapOnWhat the (cuss word here) is the Sunset Route doing with a wood trestle, still, in these days??
If it isn't broken, don't fix it. All carriers still have wooden trestles dotted around their property. If they have not given the carrier issues and they pass their yearly inspection - they continue in service.
Never too old to have a happy childhood!
Lens cap,
So the UP should replace all of its hundreds of good trestles, especially in a dry climate where they will last longer than in a wet climate? Why? Would you if it was your money? Really??
Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.