Update as of Thursday, April 3, 2014
Two Overpass Constructions
San Bernardino and Devore, CA
Part “B” (of A-E)
A few construction close-ups:
Continued in Part C
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- K.P.’s absolute “theorem” from early, early childhood that he has seen over and over and over again: Those that CAUSE a problem in the first place will act the most violently if questioned or exposed.
Part “C” (of A-E)
A westbound empty well train comes along …
… and was noted to be crossing over from Main 2 to Main 3.
This location is timetabled as Verdemont.
Continued in Part D
Part “D” (of A-E)
Over at M.P. 71.0 in the Devore area, the overhead beaming was progressing, but still is NOT over the BNSF triple-track mains. A view from a half mile away, from the north, from a higher elevation, by the I-215 Freeway
Above, the width of the overpass looks humongous. K.P. envisions problems in such a wide roadway with only a two-lane Devore Rd. over the freeway! (See photo lower left)
A BNSF westbound’s tail end blocked the BNSF-UP grade crossings for some time.
Construction equipment is stationed north of the tracks.
Continued in Part E
Part “E” (of A-E)
From Cajon Blvd., looking southish: A UP westbound on the BNSF line comes:
Now, on the south side a quarter of a mile from the tracks, and alarming matter!
The above ‘No Parking’ sign has been there for a while, but such signs line Glen Helen Parkway now and railfaning with a parked car is out of the question, except for those that hike in!
A couple of ‘sneak’ photos:
If we perceive the ‘No Parking’ signs as a bad omen, what will the overpass be like when opened? A concert event location is nearby, so such signs might (“might”) make it necessary to hike in a mile just to take photos from the new overpass when it is finished and open.
On Others Matters
Even though the economy is getting better, no triple-tracking of the east slope of Cajon Pass has been announce, at least that K.P. knows of, and probably won’t be undertaken for some time to come.
Within the traditional Cajon Pass itself, State Route (S.R.) 138 seems (“seems”) to have had it’s the widening project started.
It is unknown what effect the finished product will have on train watchers, but K.P. fears the worst.
This will conclude the series.
Update as of Friday, May 30, 2014
The Glen Helen Parkway Bridge
The Devore, CA Area
The new overpass is coming along nicely.
Note the old disconnected spur on the photo bottom. Years ago it connected to the westbound Devore siding in Automatic Block Signal days. That siding was on the alignment of today’s Main 3.
A bunch of construction wood was between the BNSF and UP mains.
A southward view from up the hill northward by Devore Rd.: The overpass roadway bridge on the lower left is currently being widened in conjunction with the new overpass construction over the tracks just eastbound of the general M.P. 71 vicinity.
The tracks of this thread are across the view about midway up.
Related Happenings
On Saturday, June 7, 2014 K.P. was involved in a semi-known late afternoon dispatch southward way into Riverside (CA) County. On the way he was able to check on the status of the new truss bridges over the I-215 Freeway in the Grand Terrace area.
A third truss bridge (of two sections) is being assembled nearby.
It is currently not clear if a third track will be laid though this area, but three bridges are planned.
The three-tracks in Cajon Pass extend all the way westward (timetable-wise) to CP29 GONZALES in downtown Colton, where two-tracks head westbound. A few miles south of Colton the BNSF tracks cross the I-215 freeway by the two pictures above.
More information is in the “Sunset Route Two-Tracking Updates” thread, pages 351-2 (starting at last post on page 351).
LINK: http://cs.trains.com/trn/f/111/t/120779.aspx?sort=ASC&pi332=351
Update as of Thursday, July 24, 2014
101 Years Old Bridge Being Replaced
Between Alray and Cajon, CA
Part I (of I-II)
One would think that when the portion between the above two points was part of the triple-tracking of Cajon Pass in 2008 the 1913 dated railroad bridge by Highway 138 would have been replaced, but it wasn’t, and continued on till now.
Note above that the LEFT bridge has NO hand railings, whereas the new, right triple-tracking era bridge does.
There are, however, presently concrete bridge spans that have been offloaded near the old bridge site.
Continued in Part II
Part II (of I-II)
The spans have specific identifications for specific positioning.
From the other side of the tracks, accessed by almost a mile’s travel:
Just above, a southbound (leftward) UP and rear-end DPU’s on the adjacent Palmdale Cutoff passes, with construction equipment present, in sight of the well-known Mormon Rocks in the background.
Surprisingly, NO workers were on site this weekday.
What logistical processes will be used in the bridge replacement process are unknown, nor how long it will take. But, with three tracks, the temporary closure of one between CAJON and WALKER (in the Alray area) should not be an overly troublesome situation.
Years ago before three-tracks, closing the “North Track” (Main 1) all day was a dispatcher’s nightmare.
This will conclude the two-part series.
Happenings of Interest
These items of interest to some were initially posted about in the “Sunset Route Two-Tracking Updates” thread, but are being redirected here. If any have any furthers, this thread might be more in line with the subject to continue the discussions.
The Sunset Route thread made a comparison to the Transcon. Thereafter, forum contributor BarstowRick initially brought up something K.P. was unaware of, a road’s construction in the Frost area of Victorville.
The current nearby road construction, looking east:
Looking west, with the natural crossover in the background:
The “natural crossover” overview from up on a nearby cliffy area:
An eastbound approaches the natural crossover. Somewhere near the camera location a roadway overpass is supposed to eventually be put in over the tracks.
There is also an unconfirmed rumor (“rumor”) the natural flyover would be done away with. One can use their imagination on that one.
BarstowRicks Sunset Route post:
BarstowRick Rumor mill in the Victorville arena, has it the narrows crossover may become a thing of the past. A new road is being planned, darn near over the top of the narrows to connect Victorville with Apple Valley, Ca. It's been said by more then one BNSF and former Santa Fe dispatcher, the narrows crossover can cause them headaches in dispatching.
Rumor mill in the Victorville arena, has it the narrows crossover may become a thing of the past. A new road is being planned, darn near over the top of the narrows to connect Victorville with Apple Valley, Ca. It's been said by more then one BNSF and former Santa Fe dispatcher, the narrows crossover can cause them headaches in dispatching.
Another related reply of significance duplicated here.
John Simpkins-Camp K.P.: All this discussion about a new road and bridge to Apple Valley has been very interesting. So much so that I e-mailed a friend in Victorville who previously had a detailed blog about the Ranchero Road underpass construction, hoping to get some insights from him. He reports that construction on new bridge over the Mojave River has started, and that, even today, work had been done on driving pillings for the bridge's foundation. He says that the west end of the bridge is very near to his Spring Valley Lake development. My friend is familiar with this thread and may be able to provide photos to the forum, if anyone is interested. John
K.P.:
All this discussion about a new road and bridge to Apple Valley has been very interesting. So much so that I e-mailed a friend in Victorville who previously had a detailed blog about the Ranchero Road underpass construction, hoping to get some insights from him.
He reports that construction on new bridge over the Mojave River has started, and that, even today, work had been done on driving pillings for the bridge's foundation. He says that the west end of the bridge is very near to his Spring Valley Lake development.
My friend is familiar with this thread and may be able to provide photos to the forum, if anyone is interested.
John
Even another:
rdamon Found this link with some "live" cameras on the project. http://trafficcctv.com/YuccaLoma.html Other cameras.. http://trafficcctv.com/
Found this link with some "live" cameras on the project.
http://trafficcctv.com/YuccaLoma.html
Other cameras..
http://trafficcctv.com/
If any wish to pursue the discussion further and how the construction will fit in with the east slope of Cajon Pass triple-tracking, this thread may be the place to do it.
Thoughts on “Signal Bridges” follow …
Signal Bridges
In the neighborhood of 6 years ago, this signal bridge was erected midway between CP WALKER and CP SILVERWOOD (the latter near Summit).
It was newsworthy BACK THEN because it was NOT of the type then being erected on Cajon Pass for the triple-tracking, which erections were basically of the cantilever type …
… except for the one older one pictured above (top photo), a full bridged type.
K.P. stumbled across a similar situation in the Corona (CA) area, between San Bernardino and Los Angeles.
Another view of that east side westbound signal bridge at BNSF's CP PRADO DAM (M.P. 29.2) from the back (west) side (looking east):
The Prado Dam location is on the BNSF San Bernardino Sub, whereas Cajon Pass is on the Cajon Sub.
Now, the CP’s WEST side eastbound signal’s cantilever structure, where three-tracks funnel into just two-tracks:
A hot westbound Metrolink commuter train comes by, towards the camera, with a cab car leading.
Just above, in the way background, that east side westbound signal BRIDGE is partially seen (upper left to upper center).
AERIAL LINK: CP PRADO DAM Area and the 91 Freeway
The above linked aerial view can be brought closer and made farther away and wider for those that wish to tinker with the link:
Diagram “A” just below is that present track arrangement and signal bridge (right).
Diagram “B” of a full universal crossovers arrangement
Comparing the above two diagrams, was the less expensive, frailer signal bridge put in position because it might (“might”) be superseded by a more expensive, more correctly positioned cantilever structure in the future? Might that older signal bridge (“bridge” vs. a cantilever structure) in Cajon Pass be there for the same reason, it acting as a temporary arrangement till things become fully set in the indefinite sometime in the future?
Time will tell …
K. P. HarrierMight that older signal bridge (“bridge” vs. a cantilever structure) in Cajon Pass be there for the same reason, it acting as a temporary arrangement till things become fully set in the indefinite sometime in the future?
Interesting that this 'Cajon sub' thread has moved west onto the San Bernardino sub. Perhaps if more activity was happening on the latter, a new topic would be very worthy. In the meantime .....
IMO BNSF is letting the very slow pace of taxpayer funding pace the SB sub upgrades while spending its capital budget on the Northern Transcon. Starting from the east end ...
- Between CP Gonzales and Highgrove only a new I-215 bridge u/c supports a third MT. SANBAG tells me that I-10 widening is in the works before 2025, so maybe some support pier rearrangement will help. However a new Santa Ana River RR bridge and Barton Road overcrossing are MIA.
- About five grade separation projects are actually underway between CP Esperanza and Fullerton Junction. After the early 2018 ish completion a third main track is likely.
- The one mile 3MT 'gap' spanning busy Rosecrans Ave is problematic. Despite the heavy Amtrak and Metrolink LOSSAN traffic, taxpayer funding has barely trickled enough to finish a three mile gap to the west after many, many years. Not holding my breath for the crossing rich city of Santa Fe Springs.
Links to my Google Maps ---> Sunset Route overview, SoCal metro, Yuma sub, Gila sub, SR east of Tucson, BNSF Northern Transcon and Southern Transcon *** Why you should support Ukraine! ***
Good pictures K.P.! That Prado Dam signal bridge is now "vintage"!
Mike, I agree - the Rosecrans/Marquardt (?) diagonal crossing will be difficult at best to solve.
Update as of Saturday, September 20, 2014
The New Bridge Is In Place
Between Cajon and Walker
Part I (of I-VI)
In this three-track Cajon Pass age, the old, 101 years old steel bridge exclusive to Main 1 just north of Highway 138, has finally been replaced by a safe walkway and handrail equipped, concrete structure.
In 2008 before the third-track had been laid but with grading in place, the old bridge WITHOUT handrails or safe walkways, was a menace to train crewmembers that had to walk their trains, or track workers that had to cross the bridge.
That Main 1 old bridge without handrails as a UP westbound passed alongside it several years ago.
Part II (of I-VI)
The new 2014 bridge (left) and the 2008 bridge (right) side by side.
An eastbound BNSF on Main 1 prepares to go over the new bridge, while it passes the old, cut up pieces of the old, 1913 bridge.
Continued in Part III
Part III (of I-VI)
As most clearly discerned in this view, the old bridge span sections were cut in half lengthwise.
Those half-spans lengthwise were generally resting gathered together.
Continued in Part IV
Part IV (of I-VI)
Some paint markings of interest.
Continued in Part V
Part V (of I-VI)
Cutup sections where very near the Highway 138 overpasses, and so were parked yellow heavy equipment.
Continued in Part VI
Part VI (of I-VI)
A train’s tail end passes the new bridge and old cutup pieces.
A truck from a popular grocery market chain passes on Highway 138. Any vehicles going over the bridge over Mains 1 and 2 get a good down on view of the new bridge and the old pieces.
“A good down on view” but just for a moment … That above Stator Bros. truck after going over the BNSF steeply swoops down to go under the UP Palmdale Cutoff.
So, the new and old bridges can’t be seen as to study the matter, unless one hike in, like K.P. did.
Above, trainmen on UP’s Palmdale Cutoff get a good down-on view of the BNSF bridge replacement activity.
A variety of equipment was used in the bridge replacement process, which was in view of the famous, large Mormon Rocks that are scattered through the area.
It has been six years since the western slope of Cajon Pass has been triple-tracked. Why it took until now to modernize the bridge here is unknown, but from top to bottom of the western slope, trainmen now have safe passageways to walk their trains.
----------
A Second Section follows.
Second Section
Those from outside the area, and many that live in Southern California but haven’t traversed Cajon Pass lately, would NOT recognize some sections of freeway now in the Devore area, such as southbound approaching where the I-215 branches off from the I-15 Freeway. Walling and bypasses are being constructed.
The upper Cajon Blvd between Kenwood Ave. and halfway to Devore is presently all tore up and is being rebuilt for a through-route. That will be a major boon for train watchers and chasers!
The security that has been at both Summit and Cajon for years is still operating. A night view of the Cajon site:
K.P. has not heard of any reports of any further triple-tracking on Cajon Pass. Operationally, things are continuing rather free flowing on both the triple-track west side and two-track east slope.
On Highway 138 Passing the New Bridge
On Highway 138 K.P. passed by that new replacement bridge on Friday, September 26, 2014. A medium sized truck was about to enter Highway 138 from the new bridge site. That truck had a section on the old bridge on it! So, apparently pieces of the old bridge are now being carted off, and soon will have vanished from Cajon Pass.
Update as of December 7, 2014
Something NEW in 2014 Related to 2008
The below reshown April 7, 2010 photo shows a scene little changed, if any, from the latter half of 2008 when the Cajon to Walker section on the North Track route had another main put in service. A new walling is present, with the bottom of the walling with slanted dirt sloping outward.
It has remained as such up till recently, when something new popped up! This was seen on December 7, 2014:
As seen above, a bunch of riprap has been added to a small section. It is unknown what inspired this, but it has been raining extensively in the Cajon Pass area this past week. The walling area also had a generally rundown look that hasn’t been seen before, likely weather related. What this forebodes for the future is not clear, but this area K.P. hopes to keep an eye on for a while.
K.P. checked on the status of the Palm Ave. overpass as well as the Devore Road / Glen Helen Parkway overpass constructions, both in the Devore area. It was found major progress has been made on both, with the Palm Ave. Bridge now having pavement over it. A brief update on the overpasses is hoped to be posted in a day or two.
Grade Separations Review
Part “A” (A-C)
Palm Ave.
San Bernardino, CA
Technically in San Bernardino, near Devore (railroad west of Devore but physically east of), the Palm Ave overpass is nearing completion. The overpass is OVER what is know as the control point VERDEMONT. View looks south, with Palm Ave. the road this side of the white barricades.
Above, on the right a BNSF westbound (leftward) is seen with J.B. Hunt containers on it.
The alignment of Palm Ave. will be altered. Once traffic is routed over the overpass the roadway’s full with will be completed.
Just above, at the fencing on the top of the overpass, only the east side (left) of Palm Ave. (with top curved fencing) will have a sidewalk, so only photos looking east will be able to be taken. West side photos won’t be legal (NO sidewalk), unless a photographer has a hovercraft!
Continued in Part B
Part “B” (A-C)
Glen Helen Parkway / Devore Road
The Devore Area, CA
The Glen Helen Parkway overpass is having similar progress, but is not paved yet.
An overview looking south from north of the I-215 Freeway
Just above, the BNSF and UP tracks are barely visible on each side of the overpass.
Part “C” (of A-C)
The present Devore Rd. overpass over the I-215 Freeway (center) is out of service now, and the new overpass (lower left) is partially open.
That now closed overpass is seen on the lower right, and the BNSF and UP tracks are more clearly seen in the background.
The new Devore Road overpass (over the I-215 Freeway) is partially open (lower left), with the present Glen Helen Parkway grade crossing in the upper background.
The landscape of the old Devore is changing quickly, with BOTH the Devore Rd. / Glen Helen Parkway AND I-15 / I-215 Freeways that junction nearby undergoing major revisions.
This will end the series.
The Palm Ave. Overpass is Open
K.P., in the evening darkness, while northbound on I-215, passed the new Palm Ave. overpass that is on top of BNSF’s CP VERDEMONT in San Bernardino, near Devore, and the overpass lights were all lit up! He looped back, and found the overpass open! But, it was too dark for photos. In the next week or so it is hoped to walk up on the overpass, and shoot a number of angles, some photos never before possible.
Up on the New Palm Ave. Overpass!
The grade crossing within CP VERDEMONT, M.P. 74 of the Cajon Sub, is history, and while hiking up, on, and down the new overpass Monday, December 29, 2014, photos were taken of the taking down of crossing gates.
A series is planned on the views from up on the new overpass, and the track-work present as never before seen from above. Expect a series probably in a week. (It is behind the Sunset Route and Foothill Extension threads.)
The New Overpass over CP VERDEMONT
Part “A” (of A-F)
As never before seen, looking westbound from on top of the new Palm Ave. overpass:
Above, Main 1 is on the right.
The now out of service Palm Ave. grade crossing (M.P. 74.0): The north side crossing gates had already been removed. The track seen is Main 3.
The south side of Palm Ave. was barricaded from Cajon Blvd. and was having the crossing gates taken down
A wider angle view with the east side fencing, looking westbound:
Part “B” (of A-F)
Looking eastbound towards Devore and Cajon Pass:
The west side of Palm Ave. (looking railroad eastbound) has fencing only and NO sidewalk, so technically railfans will not be able to take pictures from that side of the bridge. The southbound sidewalk-less single traffic lane is rather narrow for autos making it unsafe to take photos from that side.
The east side northbound traffic lane does have a sidewalk (right) and top-curved fencing protecting trainmen from pedestrians dropping items on trains.
The crossing gates removal from the overpass:
Part “C” (of A-F)
The old grade crossing panels:
The roadway looking southbound: The road curves slightly in a reverse “S” manner, and goes under UP’s Palmdale Cutoff.
In comparing the two just above photos, a new road called Institution Road “T” intersects into Palm Ave. and curves back to Cajon Blvd. Hard for old timers to get used to!
By that Institution Rd. looking back at the new Palm Ave. overpass:
Part “D” (of A-F)
From the sidewalk of Institution Rd. looking northwest:
The crossing gates removal was winding down:
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