Cajon Pass California - Green Tree Blvd. Extension w/new Bridge over BNSF Main at Victorville, CA

I am very pleased to show some exclusive photos of these photographers:
Gary G. Gray (GGG) & Laura M. Gray (LMG) & Marc Fournier (MF)
A big thank you for sharing these excellent pictures with us.
Note: The copyright belongs to these gentlemen. Do not use any photos without written permission.

Green Tree Blvd. Extension w/new bridge over BNSF
Main Tracks at Victorville, CA
close to: "natural crossover / flyover" at MP 39.1 of the BNSF Cajon Sub

After years of planning and searching for funds, our local Governments have started construction of the fifth roadway between Apple Valley and Hesperia (and / or Victorville). These projects are necessary, not only for normal vehicular traffic but, for emergency traffic in this VERY earthquake prone area. Three of the roadways have existed for many years but one accident would clog the other two roads for hours.

The somewhat recent fourth project was the BNSF RR bridge built over the extension of Ranchero Rd -- as previously documented: http://www.trainmaster.ch/XC-11.htm

The hyper expensive factors in this construction are that all five, of these arterials, must cross the normally dry Mojave river, its tributaries and the very busy BNSF RR Cajon sub-division. What's important to we Raifans is that this latest construction must cross the tracks very near the "natural crossover / flyover" at MP 39.1 of the BNSF Cajon Sub -- and how the new roads will affect the hill overlooking the flyover (our viewpoint, locally known as "Gray's Hill").

I have edited a couple of local Government maps and added a few pictures showing the project's current status and its PROPOSED route --- which will cross the BNSF. Unless you've visited the area, you may find all of this confusing. GGG

Abbreviations found on this page: EB = East Bound, NB = North Bound, SB = South Bound, WB = West Bound

For bigger size photos - please click on the 3-digit number below each photo (the first letters specify the photographer)..

we start our documentation with an overview of the current situation - 1

GGG 6/15/15 Upper Norrows Mojave River (view from Gray's Hill) - 001	GGG 12/28/15 UP EB at MP. 39.1 (view from Gray's Hill) - 002

Google map of entire project. Phase #1 (Apple Valley) is nearing completion.. Phase II (including the Mojave River Bridge) is complete but not open for traffic. Phase III (left side in purple) is the part of the project for future documentation. The entire East-West Rd will be four lanes with "shoulders". - 003

GGG 11/25/16 Looking EAST (Apple Valley) at phases #1 & #2 (view from Gray's Hill) - 004	GGG 11/25/16 Looking West (Victorville) at the Western section of Phase III (view from Gray's Hill) - 005

Contractor / Victorville map of proposed phase III (BLUE) road route over or through "Gray's Hill". - 006

WM 6/02/10 To a Werner Meer aerial of the BNSF Flyover / Gray's Hill, I've added straight line approximations of where the new roads will traverse the hill. Note that 'the Hill' is steeply sloped and 125+ feet higher than the terrain containing the existing roads being connected. - 007

GGG 11/25/16 From "Gray's Hill" looking at the Western terminus of Phase II, it APPEARS to me that a substantial portion of Gray's Hill must be removed to make this project work. Note the "X" for next picture reference. - 008	GGG 12/02/16 From near the "X" referenced in the previous picture, the present Ridgecrest road will be abandoned and replaced somewhere near the LARGE ARROW (see 007). - 009
Construction on Phase III should begin late 2017, completion SCHEDULED for 2022.. GGG

Green Tree Boulevard extension closer to construction - News - vvdailypress.com - Victorville, CA

VICTORVILLE — Barring obstacles, the third phase of a multi-million dollar roadway project connecting Victorville to Apple Valley will begin in July 2020.
The City of Victorville announced that it has received the necessary permits and permissions needed from BNSF for the Green Tree Boulevard extension project that would include an overpass constructed over the BNSF railroad tracks and wash adjacent to tracks.
The nearly one-mile project will connect Yates and Ridgecrest roads in Victorville, located near Mojave Narrows Regional Park and Spring Valley Lake, with the intersection of Hesperia Road and Green Tree Boulevard, also located in Victorville.

With construction and improvements to the Green Tree Boulevard and Hesperia Road intersection, the estimated cost to extend Green Tree Boulevard is $45 million. The city will be responsible for 49% of the project’s overall cost, with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority providing the rest.
The SBCTA will loan up to two-thirds of the funding — estimated at $12.5 million — for the city’s share, with the city paying back the agency in road development impact fees, the city reported.
The city will also receive funding from the Town of Apple Valley and the county totaling about $4.8 million. An additional $4.2 million from federal funds will also assist the project.
The Green Tree Boulevard Extension is considered Phase III of the Yucca Loma Road/Yates Road/Green Tree Boulevard Transportation Improvement Project.
Phase I of the overall project included the construction of the Yucca Loma Bridge over the Mojave River, which connects Apple Valley to Victorville. This phase also included the widening and improvement to Yates Road in Victorville, which skirts the north end of SVL.
This portion of construction involved the Town of Apple Valley and the County of San Bernardino.
Phase 2, dubbed the Yucca Loma Road Widening Project, expanded the roadway from two to four lanes on the stretch from Apple Valley Road to Kasanka Trail. It also provided other improvements and a traffic signal at Yucca Loma and Havasu roads in Apple Valley.
In May 2017, the Yucca Loma Bridge was opened, with Phase I and II of the project completed. Since that time, many have applauded the partial completion of the project for the addition roadway that connects Bear Valley Road and the SVL area to Apple Valley.
Others have voiced frustration over the uncompleted project that has increased traffic congestion near SVL and for commuters driving eastbound on Bear Valley Road as they attempt to turn left onto Ridgecrest Road.

Reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227, RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com, Instagram@renegadereporter, Twitter @DP_ReneDeLa

The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 4
Back in 2016, I started a new photo series “The Demise of Gray’s Hill” in conjunction with a rather large local Government project to provide a fifth roadway between Apple Valley and Victorville / Hesperia / I-15. These projects are necessary, not only for normal vehicular traffic but, for emergency traffic in this earthquake prone area. Three of the roadways have existed for many years but one accident would clog the other two roads for hours. The hyper expensive factors in this construction are that all five, of these arterials, must cross the normally dry Mojave River, its tributaries and the very busy BNSF RR Cajon sub-division. What's important to we Raifans is that this latest construction must bridge the tracks very near the "natural crossover / flyover" at MP 39.1 of the BNSF Cajon Sub---and how the new road will affect the hill overlooking the flyover (our photographic viewpoint, locally known as "Gray's Hill"). This latest project is being built in three phases: Phase #1: (Apple Valley) includes widening & improving Yucca Loma Rd and building a 4 lane vehicular bridge across the Mojave River --- COMPLETED. Phase #2: (County of San Bernardino) includes widening & improving Yates Rd --- COMPLETED. Phase #3: (Victorville) will include extending Greentree BLVD and building a 4 lane vehicular bridge across the BNSF CAJON SUB --- under construction

Edited Google Earth of entire project. - 020 In the Phase #3 are --- Greentree BLVD extension (PURPLE), the area of the new vehicular bridge, and “Gray’s” Hill are shown. The “G” at the lower center is the approx. location of the Gray residence.

GGG 7/26/20 An edited image of the Greentree BLVD extension. - 021	GGG 7/26/20 Close up view of Greentree BLVD extension area. - 022

9/15/20: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 5
Marc & I finished our odyssey with a stop at Gray's hill to spot any progress on the extension of GreenTree Blvd. So, from HEAVILY SMOKY California, here are a few images. GGG & MF

MF 9/15/20 - 023 Upon arrival, Marc spotted a "meet" at the BNSF Flyover with UP 7630 WB.	MF 9/15/20 - 024 UP 7630 WB passes Gray's Hill.
Since the first of the year, a homeless encampment has been GROWING across the tracks - to the West of the Hill. Last time we were on Gray's Hill, the camp occupied 2-3 acres and contained 10+ junker automobiles, 3 junker motor homes and tons of trash and debris. Victorville obviously tired of the mess and mounted a cleanup campaign. The City brought in 4 Sheriff's patrol cars, 5 large dumpsters, and a front-end loader to cleanup the mess.

MF 9/15/20 - 025 UP 6762 (DPU for UP 7630) is WB. Noting how much higher the tracks are above the creek bed and that they are about level with the hill to the West, we are wondering just how far back the Bridge will start on the Western approach.	GGG 9/15/20 - 027 Closeup image of the cleanup project. There are 2 Sheriff's patrol cars visible on this picture.

GGG 9/15/20 - 026 Overview of the cleanup project.

GGG 9/15/20 - 028 Everything will be loaded into the dumpsters with a front end loader	GGG 9/15/20 - 029 The finished cleanup - THREE CHEERS FOR VICTORVILLE

9/24/20: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 6
It was one of those 'nothing to do so let us go try to figure out where the GreenTree Rd extension bridge will cross the BNSF tracks' days. GGG & MF So, your two non-trained, non-expert & non-experienced bridge engineers immediately left for Gray's Hill.

MF 7/26/20 - 030 The same view as on # 031 but from a lower level on Gray's Hill. The BNSF tracks are at about the same level as the PAD.
LOOKING COMPASS WEST FROM GRAY"S HILL through the thickening SMOKE: ----- My thinking is that Victorville will start a longer, flatter & more expensive bridge at Letter "A". Marc thinks that they will build a shorter steeper bridge starting a letter "B". We also question why the "excess" dirt was used to build the "pad"?

MF 9/15/20 - 031 See description of letter "A" and "B" above. UP 6762 DBU for UP 7630 WB from Gray's Hill.	MF 9/24/20 - 032 Looking Compass East at Gray's hill from the PAD, at the approximate location of the future vehicle bridge. Of course, the bridge will be 5-10 feet higher than the double stacks.

MF 9/24/20 - 033 The edge of Gray's Hill from the PAD	MF 9/24/20 - 034 Looking compass South (RR West). Those folks have a great view of a junkyard, the HUGE Goodyear Tire & Mars Candy distribution facilities, and a Dog Food Factory. Oh by the way, 40-60 trains a day either pulling hard up the 1% or with screaming dynamics retarding their speed!

MF 9/24/20 - 035 Meet at Flyover BNSF 6837 WB	MF 9/24/20 - 036 BNSF 6837 headend at MP 39.4
# 035 - 038: The saving event, for this visit, was a meet at the flyover which featured a 2.5+ mile long West Bound double stack led by BNSF 6837.

MF 9/24/20 - 037 BNSF 7703 & 6622 Mid-Train helpers for BNSF 6837 West.	MF 9/24/20 - 038 BNSF 3738 & 6547 rear end DPU's for BNSF 6836 West.

6/02/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 7

For those who were not with us or have forgotten, the project to provide a new road connection between Apple Valley and Victorville was begun in 2015. Phases #1 (Apple Valley) & #2 (San Bernardino County) have been finished, leaving only Victorville's Section (#3) to be completed. GGG

Phase III - Green Tree Extension - Victor Valley News Group - 039

Visualization of Green Tree Extension Bride over BNSF Tracks - Victor Valley News Group - 040

The following information (from Victor Valley News Group) was released on 1 June 2001 (see below).

CITY OF VICTORVILLE TO BREAK GROUND ON GREEN TREE EXTENSION

VICTORVILLE, Calif. — Today, the City of Victorville announced that it will break ground on its Green Tree Extension on June 2. The City will extend Green Tree Boulevard 1.5 miles from Hesperia Road to Ridgecrest/Yates Road connecting the communities of Victorville and Apple Valley. The Green Tree Extension will create another East/West corridor benefitting the Victor Valley and providing much-needed congestion relief to Bear Valley Road.
Today, the City of Victorville hosted a Groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the start of construction on this capital improvement project. Due to health order restrictions on public gatherings, attendance at the event was limited.
During the Ceremony, Victorville Mayor Debra Jones expressed the City’s enthusiasm for starting work on this project that has been 50 years in the making. The Green Tree Extension was first envisioned in the 1970’s. The project was added to the Victorville General Plan in 1988 and became a viable project in 2007.

Integral to the project is a 600-foot-long bridge that will travel over the BNSF railroad. When complete, it will be the longest bridge in Victorville. City officials estimate more than one million pounds of rebar and 24 million pounds of concrete will be used in the new bridge.
The City will add a traffic signal where Green Tree Boulevard connects with Ridgecrest Road and widen Ridgecrest to four lanes. The intersection of Green Tree Boulevard and Hesperia Road will also be widened, and new turn lanes will be added.
Bike lanes will be added throughout the length of the project creating a larger bike lane loop nearly seven miles long connecting the Mojave Riverwalk to Hesperia Road and 7^th Street.
The City expects to use nearly 55 million pounds of asphalt and close to two billion pounds of dirt for the bridge and roadway combined.
“To bring an engineering marvel of this magnitude to reality requires not only great engineering, but also great vision, teamwork and collaboration,” said Victorville Mayor, Debra Jones. “We are extremely grateful to the Town of Apple Valley, County of San Bernardino and San Bernardino County Transportation Authority for helping us make this vision a reality.”

The Green Tree Extension will be completed for a total cost of approximately $46.8 million. San Bernardino County Transportation Authority will contribute $22.7 million, the City of Victorville $15 million, the Town of Apple Valley nearly $4 million, and the County of San Bernardino approximately $900,000. Additionally, a federal earmark of $4.2 million originally designated for the High Desert Corridor was authorized for construction of the Green Tree Extension.

To pay its portion, the City of Victorville has contributed $6.6 million in cash and is financing the remaining portion via a loan agreement with SBCTA that will be paid off utilizing future road development impact fees.
The City’s construction contractor, Skanska USA will break ground on the project June 2. Construction is expected to take 22 months to complete.

Located in Southern California at the high-point between Los Angeles and Las Vegas, Victorville is the leading city for both industry and retail in the High Desert region. Victorville is a growing, vibrant community that is home to approximately 125,000 residents and some of the area’s largest employers. Clean air, abundant mountain vistas, family-friendly recreational activities, spectacular sunsets and breathtaking night skies entice locals and visitors alike to fall in love with this city that is within a few hours of SoCal beaches, National Parks, mountain retreats, and other major attractions. Ontario International Airport is less than an hour away. Learn more about the City of Victorville at VictorvilleCA.gov.

6/19/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 8
This MAJOR Construction project is less than 1/2 mile from our home. However, we railfans are most interested in the 600 foot bridge which will span the BNSF transcon & what changes will be made to the viewpoint overlooking the Natural Crossovers / Flyover at BNSF MP 39.1. (GGG & MF) Skanska Construction has attacked Gray's Hill with a VENGEANCE, especially on the Western slope which supports the BNSF MainLine. From the West side of Gray's Hill, looking East - looking into the sun on a very BRIGHT & HOT day:

GGG 6/19/21 - 041 UP 9068 East, under the lip of Gray's Hill, approaches the Flyover.	GGG 6/19/21 - 042 With the flyover overlook at the far left of the hill, the new cut for the GreenTree Rd extension is pictured.

GGG 6/19/21 - 043 A closeup of the cut. The excess dirt is moved to the hill bottom to form a 'ski-jump' configuration, which will hold the Eastern abutment of the Greentree Road bridge over the BNSF.	GGG 6/19/21 - 044 A closeup of the cut. The excess dirt is moved to the hill bottom to form a 'ski-jump' configuration, which will hold the Eastern abutment of the Greentree Road bridge over the BNSF.

GGG 6/19/21 - 045 The new road bridge will span the BNSF tracks at this position.	MF 6/19/21 - 046 BNSF 6817 WB Frost (coming from the Victorville Narrows)
#046 - #049 We had to drive to Frost to cross the tracks, and while there, we caught two BNSF West bound freights.

MF 6/19/21 - 047 BNSF 6817 WB Frost	MF 6/19/21 - 048 BNSF 7028 WB Frost (coming from the Victorville Narrows)

MF 6/19/21 - 049 BNSF 7028 WB Frost	MF 6/19/21 - 050 From the top of Gray's Hill looking West, the route of the GreenTree extension is evident.

MF 6/19/21 - 051 The Skanska Construction Army	MF 6/19/21 - 052 Rear DPU's for WB UP Ore train

7/03/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 9
Marc & I were able to visit all areas of Gray's Hill last Saturday (July 3). GGG & MF

GGG 7/03/21 - 053 Edited a new & uncluttered Google map the area. Of course, the purple denotes the new GreenTree Extension Project. The numbers indicate our photographic locations.

GGG 7/03/21 - 054 From map location 1.5, the lower & upper Road Bridge Ramps (over the BNSF) are pictured.	GGG 7/03/21 - 055 From Map #2, a closeup of the Upper Ramp with someone camping near the FROST OVERLOOK.

GGG 7/03/21 - 056 What appears to be a stockpile of "I" beams for the new road bridge.	MF 7/03/21 - 057 To cross the tracks, we had to drive down to BNSF FROST at the Kemper Campbell Ranch. While there, we were able to photograph BNSF 4214 East crossing over from MT #2 to MT #1.

MF 7/03/21 - 058 To cross the tracks, we had to drive down to BNSF FROST at the Kemper Campbell Ranch. While there, we were able to photograph BNSF 4214 East crossing over from MT #2 to MT #1.	GGG 7/03/21 - 059 From MAP #3, Marc is giving directions to a hiker--hiking in 107F is NOT my idea of fun!!!! The camper is parked near the overlook (MAP #5) with generator & AC running--again NOT my idea of communing with nature.

GGG 7/03/21 - 060 Both bridge ramps and the BNSF tracks are pictured from MAP #3. The hiker has almost made it to the edge of the upper Ramp.	GGG 7/03/21 - 061 An offset view of both ramps with a BNSF EB headed to the flyover at MP 39.1.

7/18/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 10
The Demise of Gray's Hill is well underway with many tons of dirt being removed or rearranged. - GGG & MF

GGG 7/18/21 - 063 Even more 'interesting' news is evidenced in #062 & 063. The Map shows the apartment complex location and the numbers indicate our photo locations.

GGG 7/18/21 - 062 Received this poorly reproduced City of Victorville Planning Commission announcement of a proposed apartment complex on the untouched Southern portion of Gray's Hill.	GGG 7/18/21 - 066 Road bridge piling placement (pounding) has begun.

MF 7/18/21 - 064 UP 5883 is EB under the proposed location of the apartment complex--from near MAP location #2.	GGG 7/18/21 - 065 From Map #2 looking East - the lower & upper bridge ramps and the future GreenTree road route are pictured.

GGG 7/18/21 - 067 Looking West from Map #3, the lower ramp and the GreenTree Rd extension are pictured.	GGG 7/18/21 - 068 In nice photo sun, the Mojave River Upper Narrows are shown.

MF 7/18/21 - 069 From beside the FLYOVER, the new GreenTree Road Bridge placement is diagrammed.	MF 7/18/21 - 070 From map #3, the flyover overlook has not had its elevation changed ---YET. However, the new road will run just to the right of this image.

7/22/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 11
Last Thursday (July 22), Marc & I spent a couple of hours around Gray's Hill. Since it was a workday, we did not go near the actual work zone. The following images were taken at BNSF FROST (MP-38) and at the BNSF FLYOVER (MP-39.1). GGG + MF 071-073: BNSF 7045 East (with combat air support) approaches Frost and heads into the Mojave River Upper Narrows.

MF 7/22/21 - 071 BNSF 7045 EB at Frost coming from the Flyover	MF 7/22/21 - 072 BNSF 7045 EB at Frost

MF 7/22/21 - 073 BNSF 7045 EB at Frost heading toward the Narrows	MF 7/22/21 - 074 The edited Google Map with our photo locations labeled or numbered.
075-077: Gray's Hill from a few feet Compass East of the Flyover. The steep RAMP at the left is the future extension of GreenTree Rd approaching its joint with Yates Rd (MAP location #4). We did not notice the 'object' (arrow in 06 & blow-up in 07) until reviewing the pictures later. Will check it out ????? The Gray's Hill overlook is UNTOUCHED --- SO FAR !

MF 7/22/21 - 075 Gray's Hill	MF 7/22/21 - 076 Gray's Hill . closeup

MF 7/22/21 - 077 What is it ?	MF 7/22/21 - 078 BNSF 7699 EB (w/double train)
078-081: BNSF 7699 East is actually leading a double train with mid-train and trailing DPU's - powering a full train of stacks and a full train of empty ethanol cars. In 08 & 09, BNSF 7699 approaches and crosses the flyover from MT #2 to MT #1. The lower train in 09, also EB, is crossing from MT #1 to MT #2 & has a RED at Frost to allow BNSF 7699 to proceed to Barstow, without stopping.

MF 7/22/21 - 079 BNSF 7699 EB MT2 to MT1	MF 7/22/21 - 080 BNSF 8000 EB DPU for BNSF 7649

MF 7/22/21 - 081 Rear DPU for BNSF 2699	MF 7/22/21 - 082 The Pile Driver doing its thing at the new vehicular bridge site.

8/20/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 12
Got a call, yesterday, from Spike (NASA B-747 pilot), looking for a really quick DA DUMP lunch. I mentioned that we were meeting friends, at noon, for lunch at that very cafe. Spike did his NASCAR thing and met us at DA DUMP. After lunch, we took a few minutes to log progress on the GREENTREE Rd extension over Grays Hill. - GGG & Spike

GGG 8/20/21 - 083: Labeled map of Grays Hill indicating our photographic locations.

GGG 8/20/21 - 084 Looking east (from Map #2), the first Eastern automotive bridge column (of three) is near ready for the concrete pour. Rebar for the Eastern bridge abutment is in place half way up the hill.	GGG 8/20/21 - 085 The pile Driver has been moved to the COMPASS Western side of the BNSF Transcon tracks.

GGG 8/20/21 - 086 From just East of the BNSF flyover (MP-39.1), the rather steep GreenTree Rd ramp from the Hilltop down to Yates RD is pictured (#3 to #4 on map). It appears that the elevation of the Grays Hill overlook has not changed "MUCH".	Spike 8/20/21 - 087 UP 8492, with mid-train and tailing DPU's, pull a mini-monster train RR East toward the BNSF flyover at MP 39.1.

Spike 8/20/21 - 088 UP 7109 EB mid train helper	Spike 8/20/21 - 089 UP 6047 EB rear end DPU

Spike 8/20/21 - 090 BNSF 3860 (with NS 7664) is RR WB @ MP 39.1	Spike 8/20/21 - 091 BNSF 3860 (with NS 7664) is RR WB @ MP 39.1

9/01/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 13
The ATTACK on & DEMISE of GRAY's Hill, & its RailFan overlook, continues unabated. A newly planned Mojave Narrows Senior Assisted Living Center will be sited as shown in photo #093. According to the Geo-Technical documents --"This California senior living center will feature four buildings: an assisted living facility, an independent living facility, a rehab center, and a medical center". The few environmental documents I've read make no mention of the entire area being a FLOOD PLAIN. Also receiving little mention is the "normally dry" creek-bed between the site & Yates Rd which, very occasionally, can become a raging river. Maybe the rehab center will offer swimming lessons??? At my age, consideration of a West facing, second floor apartment, overlooking the FLYOVER sounds reasonable. Of course, by the time this project obtains all the Kalifornia & Federal licenses, we all may have found that final resting place.

GGG 9/01/21 - 093 Edited Google map of the future Mojave Narrows Senior Citizens Pavilion site.	GGG 9/01/21 - 094 We decided to try to get down near the newly poured Eastern automotive bridge columns to see if there are any views worth photographing. So here is what we found. All images were taken near position #6 (MP 39.4) on the edited Google map.

MF 9/01/21 - 095 The three Eastern columns have been poured and are curing.	MF 9/01/21 - 096 The pile driver is working on the Western Columns-We have no explanation for the weird angle of the driver.

MF 9/01/21 - 097 BNSF 6546 East heads toward Barstow.	MF 9/01/21 - 098 BNSF 7484 is EB toward the "Natural Crossover" / FLYOVER.

MF 9/01/21 - 099 BNSF 7484 is EB toward the "Natural Crossover" / FLYOVER.	MF 9/01/21 - 100 BNSF 7484 is EB toward the "Natural Crossover" / FLYOVER.

GGG 9/01/21 - 101 BNSF 7046 local is WB to Thorn (MP 41.1) & the Nutro Dog Food plant.	GGG 9/01/21 - 102 The FORM for the first Western column is being moved into position.

MF 9/01/21 - 103	MF 9/01/21 - 104
#103-104: BNSF 3686 West has crossed over the Flyover, changed track numbers, and heads toward L.A. The WHITE mountain in the background of #103 is NOT snow -- It is almost PURE limestone and is owned by one of the three large cement plants in the area. Limestone is, of course, the main ingredient in Ordinary Portland Cement.

9/11/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 14
Over the last few days, Marc, Jorge & I have spent several hours on and around Gray's Hill. Construction of the GreenTree Rd extension, and its vehicle bridge across the BNSF TRANSCON, are in full "GO" mode. The following pictures were taken on both Sept 09th & 11th ---- some timeline differences may be noticed. GGG & MF

MF 9/11/21 - 105 An overview of the Western project area.	GGG 9/11/21 - 106 The relatively huge Eastern bridge abutment and ramp under construction.

GGG 9/11/21 - 107 The Western bridge columns & abutment	MF 9/11/21 - 108 The steeper and longer Eastern bridge approach span will require the temporary construction support columns seen here, on the ground, being bolted together.

GGG 9/11/21 - 109 BNSF 7457 is EB through the project area. The six permanent bridge columns are shown.	MF 9/11/21 - 110 From the upper Eastern bridge ramp, the BNSF Transcon and the six bridge columns are visible.

GGG 9/11/21 - 111 Another view of the taller and more complex Eastern abutment.	GGG 9/11/21 - 112 All six Greentree Rd bridge columns are shown

GGG 9/11/21 - 113 From the FLYOVER, Gray's Hill & our overlook positions are shown.	MF 9/11/21 - 114 The Gray's Hill overlook surface - chewed-up by machinery but so-far not reduced in elevation.

MF 9/11/21 - 115 UP 8469 EB	MF 9/11/21 - 116 BNSF 4980 WB over UP 8469 EB
The Railfan photographers dream --- A near perfect "MEET", at the "Natural Crossover/Flyover, involving both major Western Railroads.

9/19/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 15
Sunday (9/19) was a beautiful day on Gray's Hill. Not much to report construction wise, except that Skanska Construction Co is building some HUGE steel pipe backed wooden forms for future concrete structural and retention walls. MF & GGG
# 117 & # 118: are from the top of the hill, looking west at the entire project. In the foreground, pieces of the above mentioned steel pipe backed wooden forms may be seen. Since we do not know the future of the Gray's Hill overlook as far as elevation or access, we have decided to "over-document" the FLYOVER, from the current elevation. The three trains we photographed were all BNSF, West-bound, and GE/Webtec powered.

MF 9/19/21 - 117	MF 9/19/21 - 118
# 119 - # 122: BNSF 6983 and its rear DPU (BNSF 4051) cross the FLYOVER (MP 39.1) and head into the construction zone at MP 39.4.

MF 9/19/21 - 119 BNSF 6983 WB on the Flyover	MF 9/19/21 - 120 BNSF 6983 WB on the Flyover at MP 39.1

MF 9/19/21 - 121 BNSF 6983 WB to MP 39.4 (construction site)	MF 9/19/21 - 122 BNSF 4051 WB rear end DPU for BNSF 6983.

MF 9/19/21 - 123 // BNSF 7230 WB crosses the FLYOVER.

MF 9/19/21 - 124 BNSF 7588 WB approaches the Flyover.	MF 9/19/21 - 125 BNSF 7588 WB crosses the Flyover.

9/30/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 16
Thursday (9/30), Marc joined me for the long (.5 mile) voyage to the new GreenTree Road bridge project. MF & GGG

MF 9/30/21 - 126 We arrived track-side RR West of the project near BNSF MP 40.4 to find BNSF 7200 EAST stopped, awaiting permission to more through the Bridge Project at MP 39.4. Single tracking was 'The name of the game' due to the bridge project.	MF 9/30/21 - 127 The Western bridge abutment is being "formed-up" for the concrete pour. The concrete blocks and metal poles hold the forms stationary & vertical for the pour. My CAJON ROVER #2 was the official vehicle for this train spotting activity.
# 128 - # 131: We think that these steel pipe supports are being erected, not as concrete forms, but as supports for the large steel beams to be used for the bridge deck.
	MF 9/30/21 - 128
MF 9/30/21 - 129	MF 9/30/21 - 130

MF 9/30/21 - 131 Temporary Western Bridge Deck Supports	MF 9/30/21 - 132 The Eastern Piers and abutment are pictured. Note even more steel pipe supports on the ground, which will be raised and used to support the future roadbed beams.

MF 9/30/21 - 133 This HUGE BNSF Front End Loader followed us to Frost at BNSF MP 38. It crossed the tracks and traveled onto Kemper Campbell Ranch property--probably on it's way to the storage yard in Victorville.	MF 9/30/21 - 134 The CAJON ROVER #2 & its faithful driver await the photographer while the Mercy Air Med Evac chopper looks for any old RailFan victims to transport.

MF 9/30/21 - 135 The CAJON ROVER #2 & its faithful driver await the photographer while the Mercy Air Med Evac chopper looks for any old RailFan victims to transport.	MF 9/30/21 - 136 BNSF 6782 WB will be changing tracks at Frost - MP 38

MF 9/30/21 - 137 BNSF 8073 DPU of BNSF 6782 WB is changing tracks at Frost - MP 38	MF 9/30/21 - 138 BNSF 7200 EB is finally rolling past the site.
# 138 - # 140: After a two hour wait (see pic # 126), BNSF 7200 proceeds EB through the highly decorated FLYOVER @ BNSF MP 39.1. In the background, the arrangement of the temporary bridge deck supports can be seen.

MF 9/30/21 - 139 BNSF 7200 rolling under the Flyover	MF 9/30/21 - 140 It is heading to Frost and the Narrows

10/17/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 17
Laura & I, today, drove to the new vehicular bridge over the BNSF Transcon project. GGG & LMG

GGG 10/17/21 - 141 We were met with BNSF 3700 WB at MP 40. All three diesels were BRAND NEW T-4 units.	GGG 10/17/21 - 142 We were met with BNSF 3700 WB at MP 40. All three diesels were BRAND NEW T-4 units.
# 143-145: Bridge progress has been positive with deck steel being placed from the Western columns over Main track (MT) #1 at MP 39.4. MT #2 is visible in the foreground.

GGG 10/17/21 - 143 Hanging iron across MT-1	GGG 10/17/21 - 144 Deck steel accross MT-1

GGG 10/17/21 - 145 Deck steel across MT-1	GGG 10/17/21 - 146 Eastern & Western abutments.

GGG 10/17/21 - 147 Eastern & Western abutments.	GGG 10/17/21 - 148 Looking back South at the steel/iron work over MT #1.

GGG 10/17/21 - 149 View of the empty flyover - Just before . . . .	GGG 10/17/21 - 150 . . . . BNSF 6109 WB is rolling over the flyover
# 150-152: BNSF 6109 West transitions from MT #1 to MT #2 at MP 39.1 and continues on through the construction.

GGG 10/17/21 - 151 BNSF 6109 WB on the flyover	GGG 10/17/21 - 152 BNSF 6109 WB passing thru the construction site

10/24/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 18
Laura , Skosh III & I made a morning of it, on Gray's Hill, today. Since it was Sunday, there were no HUGE TRUCKS or Angry workers around and we had full access. GGG

GGG 10/24/21 - 153 # 153-155: Work is concentrated on the new automotive bridge's center section, between the two sets of concrete columns (piers). This span also covers both tracks of the BNSF transcon. "I" beams now cover the entire span and a plywood deck is being installed over the beams. I have no idea what comes next since the concrete piers are much taller than the present wooden deck surface.

GGG 10/24/21 - 154	GGG 10/24/21 - 155

GGG 10/24/21 - 156 We drove up the construction Rd to the old Gray's Hill overlook, arriving just in time to catch . . . .	GGG 10/24/21 - 157 . . . . BNSF 7285 West approaching & crossing the "Natural Crossover / Flyover at MP 39.1.

GGG 10/24/21 - 158 On the way down the hill, we were able to photograph the LOW Fog / Cloud bank over the Cajon Pass area. . . . .	GGG 10/24/21 - 159 . . . . We could also see the top of the new bridge with its plywood construction deck.

GGG 10/24/21 - 160 Back on the desert floor, we took a look back South at the Northern side of the bridge, before heading North (RR East) to visit BNSF FROST at MP 38.	GGG 10/24/21 - 161 While driving compass North toward BNSF Frost / MP 38 / Kemper Campbell Ranch, I noticed headlights in my mirror. We arrived just in time to photograph: BNSF 7431 EB at track speed.

GGG 10/24/21 - 162 Each year, the Kemper Campbell Ranch owners flood part of the pasture to aid ducks, geese and whatever other birds migrate through this area	GGG 10/24/21 - 163 UP 7716 is East Bound at Frost leading w/3 more locos up front. DPU's are visible on # 164 and # 165.

GGG 10/24/21 - 164 UP 7716 and it's mid-train DPU are East Bound.	GGG 10/24/21 - 165 UP 7716 and trailing DPU are East Bound.

GGG 10/24/21 - 166 The Kemper Campbell Ranch is still, after all these years, a working cattle ranch. Pictured are part of the Ranches' herd of Texas Long Horns & cows. The trees & rabbit bushes are just starting to turn their fall colors.	GGG 10/24/21 - 167 Leaving the construction site at the location where the new GreenTree Extension will join Yates Rd and continue on to Apple Valley.

10/31/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 19
Laura, Skosh III & I, today again, drove to the new GreenTree Extension vehicular bridge over the BNSF Transcon. As you will note, Laura brought her camera along this time -- We're gonna make a RAILFAN outta her yet !! LMG & GGG

GGG 10/31/21 - 168 A side view of the bridge with West & East (compass directions) ends.	GGG 10/31/21 - 169 A side view of the bridge with West (compass directions) end.

GGG 10/31/21 - 170 A side view of the bridge with East (compass directions) end.	GGG 10/31/21 - 171 Looking back (compass South) at West Bridge end construction.

GGG 10/31/21 - 172 Six months ago, Victorville cleaned-out a homeless encampment at this location. GUESS WHAT ------	GGG 10/31/21 - 173 BNSF 8246 West crosses the FLYOVER at MP 39.1.

GGG 10/31/21 - 174 BNSF 8246 West crosses the FLYOVER at MP 39.1 and enters the construction zone at MP 39.4.	GGG 10/31/21 - 175 BNSF 8246 West enters the construction zone at MP 39.4.

LMG 10/31/21 - 176 Laura sends two views of the bridge construction . . . .	LMG 10/31/21 - 177 . . . . taken from the eastern abutment.

LMG 10/31/21 - 178 BNSF 6842 West on the flyover towards the construction area.	LMG 10/31/21 - 179 BNSF 6842 West on the flyover approaches the construction area.

11/07/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 20
Laura, Skosh III, and I hit the GreenTree Extension Bridge project today ----- before a DA DUMP lunch. It was a beautiful day, but without major visible progress on the bridge and NO trains through the construction site. LMG & GGG
# 182: The owner of the burned-out motor-home is having a fire sale. A great looking WASHER & DRYER are for sale CHEAP. Guess there were no injuries in the fire---the news just mentioned that a motor-home was destroyed by fire, near GreenTree Rd & the BNSF tracks. That poor 100 year old Joshua Tree looks to be in really BAD SHAPE from the HEAT.

LMG 11/07/21 - 182 See text above	LMG 11/07/21 - 183 From South view of the bridge construction.

LMG 11/07/21 - 184 From North view of the bridge construction.	LMG 11/07/21 - 185 View of the plywood construction deck nearing 2/3rds completion.

LMG 11/07/21 - 186 View of the plywood construction deck nearing 2/3rds completion.	LMG 11/07/21 - 187 OLD GLORY watching over the project! Note the amounts of wood stockpiled & the thickness of the FALSE WORK (plywood) DECK.

11/14/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 21
A short report on a quick trip to Gray's Hill by Laura, Marc, Skosh III (our Poodle) & me. LMG, MF , GGG & SG III
# 188-191: BNSF 7894 is West Bound from the Flyover @ BNSF CAJON SUB MP 39.1 to the new GreenTree RD extension Bridge over the BNSF @ MP 39.4.

MF- 11/14/21 - 188 BNSF 7894 WB under the Flyover towards the new bridge.	LMG- 11/14/21 - 189 BNSF 7894 WB under the Flyover towards the new bridge.

LMG - 11/14/21 - 190 BNSF 7894 WB is entering the new bridge construction.	MF- 11/14/21 - 191 BNSF 7894 WB just passed the new bridge construction.

MF- 11/14/21 - 192 From the Eastern Bridge Abutment and overlooking the new bridge construction, the existing GreenTree Rd terminus may be seen.	LMG - 11/14/21 - 193 BNSF 6397 repeats the short trip described above in # 188-191

MF- 11/14/21 - 194 BNSF 6397 WB rolling over the Flyover.	MF- 11/14/21 - 195 BNSF 6397 WB going under the new road bridge.

MF- 11/14/21 - 196 BNSF 6397 WB leaving the new road bridge construction site toward Cajon Pass.

11/25/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 22
Just before one of Laura's FANTASTIC Thanksgiving Day turkey dinners, Marc & I took-off to visit the new vehicle bridge portion of the GreenTree Rd extension. All directions mentioned in this report are compass based, unless noted. GGG & MF
# 197: Looking at the Western 2/3rds of the bridge covered by the plywood construction deck, there are angled forms (red arrows) being built for the concrete substructure of the bridge. We have no idea the function of the round BLACK objects, attached to the Western abutment wooden concrete form (white arrows) ----- (drains)?.

GGG - 11/25/21 - 197 See above . . .	GGG - 11/25/21 - 198 Closeup of Northwest slanted forms, which will shape the concrete substructure of the bridge.

GGG - 11/25/21 - 199 Closeup of Southwest slanted forms, which will shape the concrete substructure of the bridge.	GGG - 11/25/21 - 200 See below . . .
# 200: Obviously, the bridge will be 30 feet higher, but this will be the future Northeast view from the bridge - with Apple Valley, CA in the background and the BNSF "Natural Crossover" / Flyover in the mid-ground. The Flyover is at BNSF MP 39.1 and the new bridge is at MP 39.4. We are not expecting many RR photographers to use the bridge view. Even with bicycle lanes and protective signage, the higher speeds and carefree attitudes of Kalifornia drivers are the stuff of nightmares for most pedestrians & bicycle riders.

GGG - 11/25/21 - 201 UP 5460 is Railroad West Bound at BNSF MP 38 (Frost).	MF - 11/25/21 - 202 UP 5793 DPU of UP 5460 is West Bound at BNSF MP 38 (Frost).

12/04/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 23
Last Sat (12-04) was a beautiful day in the High Desert. Laura, Marc & I decided to take coffee up to Gray's Hill, & check the progress on the new vehicle bridge being built over the BNSF transcon between Victimville & Apple Valley. Directions used to describe the bridge are compass based. Train directions are Railroad based ---- WB denotes a West Bound train moving toward L.A. - We saw four BNSF WB's during our visit. - LMG, GGG & MF

GGG - 12/04/21 - 203 Bridge Construction Overview	GGG - 12/04/21 - 204 Forms for Northern Bridge support walls
# 203 - 205: shows the Northern & Southern forms being built, with rebar reinforcement, to shape the huge concrete "beams" that will support the bridge deck.

GGG - 12/04/21 - 205 Forms for Southern Bridge support wall	LMG - 12/04/21 - 206 BNSF 8157 WB intermodal between Frost and Flyover
# 206 - 209: BNSF 8157 + 6 is WB between BNSF Frost @ MP 38 and the new bridge construction @ MP 39.4. It must have been a power repositioning move since the train was relatively short.

LMG - 12/04/21 - 207 Same WB Train on the Flyover toward the site	MF - 12/04/21 - 208 BNSF 8157 w/6 more units incl. a CP Rail

MF - 12/04/21 - 209 Same train approaches construction era	LMG - 12/04/21 - 210 BNSF 4056 WB crosses the Flyover
# 210 - 214: Follows BNSF 4056 WB from the Natural crossover/Flyover @ MP 39.1 through the construction area. Hard to see, but in # 214 just above the lead unit there is a bison pen which is part of a larger horse corral.

LMG - 12/04/21 - 211 BNSF 4056 WB on the Flyover at MP 39.2	MF - 12/04/21 - 212 BNSF 4056 WB at MP 39.3

MF - 12/04/21 - 213 BNSF 4056 WB approaches the construction site	MF - 12/04/21 - 214 BNSF 4056 WB departing the construction site
# 215 - 218: BNSF 3823 WB is pictured from the Flyover through the bridge construction.

MF - 12/04/21 - 215 BNSF 3823 WB Intermodal on the Flyover	MF - 12/04/21 - 216 Interesting to see 3 TOFC's followed by DBS

MF - 12/04/21 - 217 BNSF 3823 and 8008 are both ES44CE Diesels	MF - 12/04/21 - 218 The locos just passed the bridge construction site
# 219 - 222: BNSF 7917 WB passes through BNSF FROST @ MP 38. The autumn colors were very visible, in both the Kemper-Campbell Ranch and the Mojave Narrows Regional Park.

MF - 12/04/21 - 219 BNSF 7917 WB intermodal passes thru Frost at MP 38	MF - 12/04/21 - 220 BNSF 7917 WB intermodal passes thru Frost at MP 38

LMG - 12/04/21 - 221 Same train just passing the signal at Frost	LMG - 12/04/21 - 222 End of train heading to the Flyover

12/11/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 24
Marc & I had a great 10 train 2.5 hour morning in and around Gray's Hill last Saturday (Dec. 11th). GGG & MF # 223-224: LAST November 25th, we could not identify the black devices attached to the wooden forms (white arrows) and asked for ideas. Friend Gordon G. answered with the following information: The black objects are fittings used in prestressing the concrete beams of the bridge. When the forms for the beams are in place, they'll contain rebar and also long metal tubes that run the length of the bridge. They will be near the top of the beams over the columns, and near the bottom of the beams between the columns, and they will attach to the black fittings. After the concrete has set, steel wires will be run through the tubes and tension will be applied to them. This will put the surrounding concrete in compression.

GGG - 12/11/21 - 223	GGG - 12/11/21 - 224
# 225-227: Gordon was correct and Skanska is building the bridge to his specifications. In # 226, The red arrows point to the rebar cages that will strengthen the horizontal concrete beams. The white arrows point to access points to the tubes, through which the steel tension wires will run. THANKS GORDON

GGG - 12/11/21 - 225	GGG - 12/11/21 - 226

GGG - 12/11/21 - 227	GGG - 12/11/21 - 228 BNSF 8000 EB at MP 39.4 just passing the bridge construction site

GGG - 12/11/21 - 229 BNSF 8000 EB at MP 39.2 w/4 BNSF units and 1 NS loco	GGG - 12/11/21 - 230 BNSF 8000 EB at MP 39.1 going under the Flyover
# 231-234: BNSF 5697 is WB climbing out of the Upper Narrows, over the flyover (# 233) and on through the construction area.

MF - 12/11/21 - 231 BNSF 5697 WB at MP 39.0 climbing uphill	MF - 12/11/21 - 232 BNSF 5697 WB at MP 39.0 climbing uphill

MF - 12/11/21 - 233 BNSF 5697 WB at MP 39.1 climbing over the Flyover	MF - 12/11/21 - 234 BNSF 5697 WB at MP 39.2 entering the bridge construction area

MF - 12/11/21 - 235 BNSF 4288 EB approating Frost at MP38	MF - 12/11/21 - 236 BNSF 4288 EB passing Frots at MP38

MF - 12/11/21 - 237 BNSF 4288 EB rolling towards the Narrows	MF - 12/11/21 - 238 BNSF 5991 WB entering Frost

MF - 12/11/21 - 239 BNSF 5991 WB w/Mid-Train DPUS' at Frost	MF - 12/11/21 - 240 BNSF 6821 is WB at the FLYOVER MP-39.1

MF - 12/11/21 - 241 BNSF 7145 is EB at Frost MP38	MF - 12/11/21 - 242 BNSF 7912 at & past Frost

MF - 12/11/21 - 243 BNSF 7912 at & past Frost	MF - 12/11/21 - 244 UP 7477 bring an export coal load WB through Frost

MF - 12/11/21 - 245 Same train UP 6261-5370 trailing DPU's are WB at Frost	MF - 12/11/21 - 246 The UP DPU's pass the Cajon Rover II, its Pilot & Director of Photography - LOL

12/27/21: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 25
On Monday (12/27), Marc got some good images of the new GreenTree Rd project and the two very short trains, we saw during our visit. MF & GGG

MF - 12/27/21 - 247 Two shots of the entire project. Most of the labor is centered on erecting the rebar . . .	MF - 12/27/21 - 248 . . . . for the concrete beams, which will support the Western third of the new bridge.

MF - 12/27/21 - 249 The San Gabriel Mountains after this year's FIRST REAL Mountain Snowstorm --- The High Desert got only .13 inch of rain.	MF - 12/27/21 - 250 While a very short EB local waits at BNSF Frost, a WB local (MP 39.0) proceeds to the FLYOVER & on through the construction area.

MF - 12/27/21 - 251 BNSF 4983 WB local proceeds over the FLYOVER (MP 39.1)	MF - 12/27/21 - 252 BNSF WB local proceeds through the construction area (MP 39.4).

MF - 12/27/21 - 253	MF - 12/27/21 - 254
New wall being built to support the four lane GreenTree extension where it will join San Bernardino County's Yates RD ---- between Mojave Narrows Park & Spring Valley Lake.

1/02/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 26
On the second day of the New Year, Marc & I visited each of our photographic points between the new vehicular bridge at BNSF MP 39.4 and the KC Ranch at BNSF MP 38 (FROST). MF & GGG
# 255-258: BNSF 7004 and its trailing DPU's were photographed WB between the Flyover at MP 39.1 and the construction area at MP 39.4.

MF - 1/02/22 - 255 BNSF 7004 WB on the Flyover at MP 39.1	MF - 1/02/22 - 256 BNSF 7004 WB at MP 39.2

MF - 1/02/22 - 257 BNSF 7004 approaches construction area at MP 39.4.	MF - 1/02/22 - 258 BNSF 7385 and 7751 DPU's of same BNSF WB train

MF - 1/02/22 - 259 The San Gabriel Mountains after our third "winter storm".	MF - 1/02/22 - 260 Facing South, an image of the entire bridge project. The majority of construction activities are centered on the Western (Right) third of project. The HUGE concrete structure is the NUTRO Dog Food Factory & Distribution Center. The Nutro Center has a spur and is serviced by the BNSF.

GGG - 1/02/22 - 261 View from the Eastern ramp showing the maze of rebar cages which will strengthen the concrete beams which will, in turn, support the bridge deck.	GGG - 1/02/22 - 262 Close-up view from the Eastern ramp showing the maze of rebar cages which will strengthen the concrete beams which will, in turn, support the bridge deck.
# 263-264: From the Western ramp, the tubes to be used for the cables in the "post tensioning process of the concrete beams. For anyone??? interested in PRE & POST tensioning of concrete beams see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guozDnLjwo8

MF - 1/02/22 - 263	GGG - 1/02/22 - 264

MF - 1/02/22 - 265 BNSF 6274 WB approaches the GreenTree Rd extension construction -- toward L.A.	MF - 1/02/22 - 266 BNSF 6274 WB passes through & beyond the GreenTree Rd extension construction -- toward L.A.

MF - 1/02/22 - 267 BNSF 6274 WB beyond the GreenTree Rd extension construction -- toward L.A.	MF - 1/02/22 - 268 The support needed for the tons of concrete about to be poured.

MF - 1/02/22 - 269 The Eastern third of the new bridge with the future view of the flyover.	MF - 1/02/22 - 270 Looking under the new bridge with the view of the flyover (close-up).
# 271-272: Two of the new wall being built to support the four lane GreenTree extension where it will join San Bernardino County's Yates RD ---between Mojave Narrows Park & Spring Valley Lake. The HUGE & HEAVY concrete blocks supporting the wall will be required during our infrequent SUPER STORMS, when the adjacent Mojave River tributary becomes a raging "NIAGARA".

MF - 1/02/22 - 271 New retention wall for Green Tree Blvd.	MF - 1/02/22 - 272 New retention wall (close-up).

MF - 1/02/22 - 273 BNSF 4002 is EB into Frost at BNSF MP-38	MF - 1/02/22 - 274 BNSF 4002 is EB passing Frost at BNSF MP-38

1/09/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 27
Last Sunday (1/09) was a beautiful desert winter day & Marc, George and I took advantage of it. Train traffic was unusually light but, as you'll see, we were able to access a new photographic location--not normally available. MF & GGG

MF - 1/09/22 - 275 UP 9061 pulls a long ballast train west through Frost MP 38.	MF - 1/09/22 - 276 UP 9061 pulls HERZOG ballast cars west through Frost MP 38.

MF - 1/09/22 - 277 The normal bridge view looking West from the Eastern Abutment.	MF - 1/09/22 - 278 rebar cages, wooden forms and tension cable tubes
The following three pictures were taken from a small walkway, protected by the visible safety railing, atop & surrounding the entire structure--note red arrows on # 277. # 278-280: The partially completed rebar cages, wooden forms and tension cable tubes - taken from the walkway mentioned above.

MF - 1/09/22 - 279 closeup	MF - 1/09/22 - 280 rebar cages, wooden forms and tension cable tubes
# 281-282: UP 7410 export coal loads (in 4 + 0 + 2 configuration) crosses through the FLYOVER & heads WB to the construction area.

MF - 1/09/22 - 281 UP 7410 WB rolling under the Flyover at MP 39.1	MF - 1/09/22 - 282 UP 9022 & 5949 WB DPU's for same train at MP 39.4

1/23/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 28
Marc & I were out wandering around Gray's Hill, last Sunday (1/23), before playoff football. We decided to try and answer a few of your questions---so, the attached pictures concern the pond/lake at the Kemper Campbell Ranch, the new bridge and the trains we saw. - MF & GGG

MF - 1/23/22 - 283 BNSF 6852 is WB between the Flyover (MP-39.1) & the new bridge (MP-39.4).	MF - 1/23/22 - 284 BNSF 6989 (with War Bonnet) is EB at the flyover (MP-39.1).

MF - 1/23/22 - 285 The western third of the new bridge, almost ready for the first cement pour.	MF - 1/23/22 - 286 BNSF 6989 is WB at the flyover toward the new bridge.

MF - 1/23/22 - 287 BNSF 6989 is WB approaching the new bridge.	MF - 1/23/22 - 288 In the two weeks since we were last down at Frost, the pond/lake has "found" some water. No clue where the water came from but it really looks good again.

MF - 1/23/22 - 289 - BNSF 6756 is WB from BNSF FROST (MP-38)

MF - 1/23/22 - 290 Someday, the FLYOVER will be removed and so, we thought it best to begin documenting the bridge now. This is the COMPASS NE view through the FLYOVER showing exactly where the new GreenTree extension will join the existing YATES Rd of San Bernardino County.	MF - 1/23/22 - 291 Looking Railroad West through the Flyover at the new GreenTree Extension Bridge.

MF - 1/23/22 - 292 View of the Western BUTT END of the bridge construction. No idea what the exterior (outside the forms) rebar is for, but we'll see.	MF - 1/23/22 - 293 (See text below)
# 293-294: Interesting images of the rebar "weave" and 3-4 inch standoffs for the rebar which will reinforce the floor of the bridge support structure. Also note the twelve inch standoffs supporting the forms for the concrete beams. This space, of course, will allow the floor concrete pour to flow below the vertical forms for the beams.

MF - 1/23/22 - 294 (See text above)	MF - 1/23/22 - 295 Overview of the entire maze of forms and supports which, someday, will become a vehicular bridge.

MF - 1/23/22 - 296 UP 2660 has just cleared Frost & proceeds East to Victorville.	MF - 1/23/22 - 297 From the AMTRAK platform in "DOWNTOWN" OLD Victorville, UP 2660 passes the small BNSF Yard and it's two sets of LOCAL POWER.

1/30/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 29
Last week, I received an E-M from Jorge L. stating that there were 30+ huge dump trucks carrying loads of dirt away from Gray's hill. Yesterday Marc & I drove to the hill to find that our old view-point, overlooking the Flyover, is now 20 feet +/- lower. BTW, the trucks were at it again this AM (22-01-31) - GGG & MF

MF - 1/30/22 - 304 The old overlook was at the same level as the hill on the right of the picture.	MF - 1/30/22 - 305 Looking SE at Ridgecrest RD and Spring Valley Lake, the hill was once ten+ feet higher than the block wall in the background.
# 306-307: Two views (#03 looking North & #04 looking South) of the new bridge. The arrows indicate where the main concrete support columns are placed--all steel supports will eventually be removed. We divided the bridge into thirds to more easily explain the construction process.

MF - 1/30/22 - 306	GGG - 1/30/22 - 307

MF - 1/30/22 - 308 The wooden false floor for the Eastern bridge third is being completed.	GGG - 1/30/22 - 309 The concrete floor & concrete beams for the support structure of the Western Bridge third have been poured.

MF - 1/30/22 - 310 BNSF 6786 WEST crosses the FLYOVER towrad the construction area.	MF - 1/30/22 - 311 BNSF 6786 WEST passes through the construction area. MP-39.4

MF - 1/30/22 - 312 BNSF 7811 is EB on the lower track (going under the flyover).	MF - 1/30/22 - 315 Floor & Concrete Beams poured.
# 313-317: The one foot thick support structure floor and the concrete beams have been poured for the Western bridge third. Of course, the bridge deck will set atop this support structure. INTERESTING that AS FAR AS I CAN TELL, this one foot thick floor and the beams were poured in one day using only two concrete pumpers, a convoy of Mixer trucks and a few laborers -- Guess I was expecting more of an EVENT.

MF - 1/30/22 - 313	MF - 1/30/22 - 314

MF - 1/30/22 - 316	MF - 1/30/22 - 317
# 318-321: BNSF 3690 and its trailing DPU are EB through the area with a BNSF RipRap train of erosion control boulders.

MF - 1/30/22 - 318 BNSF 3690 EB passing under the new bridge. MP-39.4	MF - 1/30/22 - 319 BNSF 3690 EB passing under the Flyover. MP-39-1

MF - 1/30/22 - 320 The rocks are well visible on this close-up	MF - 1/30/22 - 321 Same train with DPU BNSF 3700

2/15/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 30
We have made a couple of trips over to the new bridge in the last week. For the last three weeks, a convoy of HUGE dump trucks has been removing dirt from "Gray's" Hill --- all day-every day. We had to go survey the damage to our view point. MF & GGG

GGG - 2/15/22 - 322 The "Grays" Hill overlook was once at the level of the two remaining hills pictured. It is now 15-20+ feet lower.	GGG - 2/15/22 - 323 The same two hills, taken from near the flyover. We agree that the road ramp is still too steep and that some more lowering of the crest will be necessary. Note the backhoe arm at the high right center.

GGG - 2/15/22 - 324 The same CAT Backhoe as mentioned in #02, is the guilty party in the destruction of "Grays" hill.	GGG - 2/15/22 - 325 The new view from "Grays" LOWERED Hill.
#326-328: Our FIRST railroad shot taken from the NEW Bridge. BNSF 6810 is EB at the new bridge MP-39.4 and on through the Flyover at MP-39.1.

MF - 2/15/22 - 326 BNSF 6810 EB at MP-39.4	MF - 2/15/22 - 327 BNSF 6810 EB w/3 BNSF diesels and 1 NS diesel toward the Flyover

GGG - 2/15/22 - 328 BNSF 6810 EB passing under the Flyover at MP-39.1	MF - 2/15/22 - 329 Forms have been partially removed from the interior walls of the Western Third of the bridge support structure.
We questioned the purpose of the hundreds of long pins/nails/screws that protrude from the concrete and/or the forms until we received the following from Gordon G: "I think the wires sticking out of the concrete were used to keep the forms from bowing out from the pressure of the wet concrete. Some can be seen sticking through the forms. I imagine they'll be cut off".

MF - 2/15/22 - 330 Looking East, the entire false floor of the support structure has been built and the rebar for the Eastern third has been placed.	MF - 2/15/22 - 331 The far Eastern butt wall of the support structure with the POST TENSIONING devices attached.
The whole Pre / Post tensioning process was a mystery until friend Gordon G. sent the following: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STW2FCWhfPM https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/bridge/construction/pubs/hif13026.pdf

MF - 2/15/22 - 332 Looking West at the Eastern & Middle bridge false floors with the already poured Western supports at the rear.	MF - 2/15/22 - 333 Looking West at the Eastern & Middle bridge false floors with the already poured Western supports at the rear.

MF - 2/15/22 - 334 Cross walls of the support structure	GGG - 2/15/22 - 335 BNSF 8255 creeps Eastward to stop behind the BNSF 6810 which is already stopped by a RED signal at Frost.

MF - 2/15/22 - 336 BNSF 8257 West, due to a FORM "B" at MP-66 has priority & passes the waiting BNSF 6810 East at Frost (MP-38).	MF - 2/15/22 - 337 BNSF 8257 West, due to a FORM "B" at MP-66 has priority & passes the waiting BNSF 6810 East at Frost (MP-38)

MF - 2/15/22 - 338 At long last, BNSF 6810 East passes through Frost & on to Barstow.	MF - 2/15/22 - 339 At long last, BNSF 6810 East passes through Frost & on to Barstow.

2/26/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 31
Last Saturday was interesting at the "Gray's Hill" bridge project. While Marc is up documenting the OLD & long abandoned Tonopah and Tidewater Railroad ROW between Ludlow, CA and Death Valley, Jorge & I had 10 trains in 2 hours locally. GGG & JL
# 340-342: We could hear our first train slowly laboring up the approximately 1% grade between Frost and the Flyover long before we could see it. The lead three units appeared, pulling a VERY Long (60+ cars) and VERY HEAVY CEMEX aggregate train WB. The Three trailing DPU's sounded to be generating FULL POWER in "RUN EIGHT??" The sight & sounds of this very slow train were something rarely seen or heard on the normally high speed Cajon Sub.

GGG - 2/26/22 - 340 BNSF 4173 WB on the Flyover at MP 39.3	GGG - 2/26/22 - 341 VERY HEAVY CEMEX aggregate train is WB

GGG - 2/26/22 - 342 plus 3 rear end DPU's were needed for this heavy train	GGG - 2/26/22 - 343 Shows the rebar erected for the newest concrete cross beam of the support structure.
# 344-345: Two fast WB's chasing the slow CEMEX train mentioned above. They both will probably "run around" the CEMEX freight before reaching Cajon Summit.

GGG - 2/26/22 - 344 BNSF 7092 WB intermodal w/6 units at MP 39.4	JL - 2/26/22 - 345 BNSF 8245 WB Double Stack w/3 units at MP 39.4

JL - 2/26/22 - 346 The INTERESTING West Wall "safety railing and walkway".	JL - 2/26/22 - 347 see text below
# 347-348: We think the newly installed wooden cross beams will help support the bridge deck concrete pour. In Vol #30, we questioned the many wires protruding from all of the concrete support beams (white arrows in both pictures). Friend Bob W. sent the following explanation: Gary: Those "Wires" are called Snap Ties. They are designed to break off approximately 1 inch back in the wall. If you look closely you will see a conical void where a plastic spacer in imbedded in the concrete when these are removed a laborer goes back and fills them with a special grout so when done it is all smooth and teh Ties are not exposed to the air. Thanks Bob.

JL - 2/26/22 - 348 see text above	JL - 2/26/22 - 349 BNSF 8186 WB at Frost - first part of double train
# 349-351:1 Our second INTERESTING train was actually a DOUBLE TRAIN --- two separate trains coupled together and controlled by the ONE crew in the lead diesel. So BNSF 8186 & BNSF 6331 are WB through Frost as ONE TRAIN.

GGG - 2/26/22 - 350 BNSF 8186 WB at Frost (front half of the combined trains)	GGG - 2/26/22 - 351 BNSF 6331 WB power = 2nd half of these combined trains

3/06/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 32
Last Sun, was a beautiful day in the Mojave. Normally, we've been hitting the Bridge Construction Project twice a month but it way too nice to stay home --- & besides, it's NOT FOOTBALL Season. GGG - MF
# 352-353: The Construction forces have been busy lowering the lookout point on "Gray's Hill". Many many railfans have used this area to photograph trains on the famous ATSF / BNSF FLYOVER near FROST. Upon our arrival at the Overlook, we were met by BNSF 6867 WB pulling a very long string of (probably) empties. If you will remember the "old" pictures taken from the overlook, the crest of the hill is now much lower. We will determine how much has been removed shortly??

MF - 3/06/22 - 352 BNSF 6867 WB at Frost	MF - 3/06/22 - 353 BNSF 6867 WB on the Flyover

MF - 3/06/22 - 354 From the western crest of Gray's Hill - looking West, the built-in curvature of the new bridge is quite evident.	MF - 3/06/22 - 355 The Eastern portion of the bridge false floor rebar has been placed and is awaiting erection of the vertical rebar & forms.

MF - 3/06/22 - 356 The Eastern portion of the bridge false floor rebar has been placed and is awaiting erection of the vertical rebar & forms.	GGG - 3/06/22 - 357 Marc holding a three foot long, 1.25 inch thick, 30 pound piece of scrap rebar.
# 358-359: To cross the tracks, we must drive RR East to Frost (Kemper Campbell Ranch). While there, we noticed headlights back up near the new bridge. We waited and caught BNSF 9086 WB towing a buffer car and a Track Geometry Car.

MF - 3/06/22 - 358 BNSF 9086 WB SD70ACe with a buffer car and a Track Geometry Car.	MF - 3/06/22 - 359 BNSF WB towing a buffer car and a Track Geometry Car.

MF - 3/06/22 - 360 On the way back to the Construction Zone, we caught BNSF 4752 West at Jones Flat (just RR East of the FLYOVER).	MF - 3/06/22 - 361 Newly installed cross members and their supports, which will hold the bridge deck pour.
New questions: What is the function if the one foot diameter pipe which apparently will run the length of the bridge (on both sides). BTW #01: These are not the same pipes used for the POST-TENSIONING process. Secondly, after the deck is poured, all of the wooden supports will essentially be trapped in the concrete "tubes"--- How will all of that wood be removed or is it left in-place for some future CIVIL ENGINEER to laugh at our ancient building techniques? BTW #02: it appears that enough wood has been used in this construction to build a small suburb. BTW #03: we see no inspection or drain ports in the concrete floors or walls of the support structure ???

MF - 3/06/22 - 362 Newly installed cross members and their supports, which will hold the bridge deck pour.	MF - 3/06/22 - 363 Detail of the Western third of the bridge support structure.
# 364-368: BNSF 7438 and DPU's drag a HEAVY Ethanol (BOMB) load WB through the area.

MF - 3/06/22 - 364 BNSF 7438 WB rolling over the Flyover at MP-39.2	MF - 3/06/22 - 365 BNSF WB w/3 units up front at MP-39.3

GGG - 3/06/22 - 366 MP-39.5	MF - 3/06/22 - 367 MP-39.6

MF - 3/06/22 - 368 DPU's with a Warbonnet BNSF C44-9W toward Hesperia and Cajon	GGG - 3/06/22 - 369 Marc Fournier, our intrepid snake dodging, rock climbing, bridge crawling photographer!!

3/19/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 33
Last Saturday (March 19) was a cool & very windy day. While Marc was attending WINTER-RAIL MEET in Corvallis, Oregon (http://www.winterail.com/), I decided to make our normal photo circuit to the GreenTree Rd extension and the new bridge across the BNSF Transcon. GGG
# 370-372: From high on the Eastern bridge approach, the entire bridge is pictured. Rebar erection is nearly complete on the Eastern third, while forms are being applied to the completed rebar "cages" in the middle section. More on the Western bridge third later in this report.

GGG - 3/19/22 - 370	GGG - 3/19/22 - 371

GGG - 3/19/22 - 372 East third of bridge rebar.	GGG - 3/19/22 - 377 Near the West end of the new bridge, a major tributary of the Mojave River flows under the Greentree Rd extension and both tracks of the BNSF trans-con. While both the River and its tributaries are normally dry, the infrequent MAJOR storms turn both into raging rivers---thus, this spillway with current disturbing RIP-RAP.
# 373-374: The only vehicle friendly track crossing is one mile RR East at FROST (MP-38). On the way, I took two pictures of the new bridge (MP-39.4) through the Flyover Bridge at MP-39.1.

GGG - 3/19/22 - 373 New bridge at MP-39.4 hrough the Flyover as seen from MP-39.1	GGG - 3/19/22 - 374 Closeup of new bridge
# 375-376: The track signals at Frost indicated rail traffic approaching from both directions. After a few minutes, UP 5858 EB (3 + 1) split the signals, followed by BNSF 8046 (4 +3) leading a "double" train West bound.

GGG - 3/19/22 - 375 UP 5858 EB at Frost MP-38.	GGG - 3/19/22 - 376 BNSF 8046 WB at Frost MP-38.

GGG - 3/19/22 - 378	GGG - 3/19/22 - 379
# 378-379: Pictures of the bridge Western third with the false bridge deck plywood floor partially in place. Since pouring of the concrete bridge deck will provide five SEALED concrete "tubes" in each third of the bridge support structure, what happens to all of the wooden supports trapped within the tubes? We also asked the function of the large metal pipes running the length of the bridge within the two outside concrete tubes. The answers below come from Bob W. Gary the large pipe running the length of the new bridge is for utilities mainly electric conduits for future lighting. As to the plywood deck and supports they will be left in place as there is no way to retrieve them That structure is referred to by the name of Lost Deck because you are losing all the material it took to form it up. Hope this helps. Bob W. THANKS BOB I guess some future Archaeologist will have a GRAND TIME studying our PRE-HISTORIC building techniques. GGG

4/02/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 34
We could not get into the construction project as Saturday (4-2) was a Skanska Construction Corp work day. BNSF train traffic, however, was heavy. - GGG & MF
# 380-381: From the "Gray's hill" overlook, the junction of the GreenTree Rd. Extension & Yates Rd. is pictured. Hopefully, the road widening & curvature reduction will reduce the current number of serious accidents at the current curve. Of course, drivers now will have to deal with a very steep hill --- from the camera position down to the junction. We understand that there were no fatalities in the pictured auto accident.

MF - 4/02/22 - 380 (see text above)	VVNG - 4/02/22 - 381 (see text above)

MF - 4/02/22 - 382 BNSF 3927 WB is rolling over the Flyover at MP 39.1	MF - 4/02/22 - 383 It is the loaded Ethanol train (called: the BOMB)

MF - 4/02/22 - 384 BNSF 8121 & 7726 are the DPU's of this WB Ethanol train.	MF - 4/02/22 - 385 Pouring of the bridge middle third support walls has begun. Forming for the Eastern third is nearing completion.

GGG - 4/02/22 - 386 BNSF 6701 WB at Frost at MP 38.	GGG - 4/02/22 - 387 BNSF 6595 DPU for the same intermodal train at Frost MP 38.

GGG - 4/02/22 - 388 BNSF 4386 WB on the Flyover at MP 39.1	GGG - 4/02/22 - 389 BNSF 7428 WB DPU for the same intermodal train on the Flyover.

GGG - 4/02/22 - 390 BNSF 3957 emerges EB from the Flyover tunnel. The new vehicular bridge can be seen in the background.	MF - 4/02/22 - 391 BNSF 7999 is EB at Frost MP 38 heading for Victorville/Barstow.

4/10/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 35
Marc & I made it to The New Bridge Project / "Gray's" Hill Sunday (4-10). Progress on the vehicle bridge was evident and rail traffic was heavy. - GGG & MF

MF - 4/10/22 - 392 BNSF 5319 was WB between the flyover and the new bridge.	GGG - 4/10/22 - 393 UP 7122 was EB past the "Gray's" Hill overlook.

MF - 4/10/22 - 394 BNSF 7812 WB on the flyover (MP 39.1) going to the bridge (MP 39.4)	MF - 4/10/22 - 395 BNSF 7812 WB entering the bridge (MP 39.4)

GGG - 4/10/22 - 396 From the eastern abutment, erection of forms on the Eastern third of he bridge is nearing completion. Concrete pouring of the bridge middle support section is progressing.	GGG - 4/10/22 - 397 Awhile back, we asked the function of the metal rods protruding from the concrete walls of the support structure. Bob W. answered our question with the below:
"Gary Those ”wires” are called Snap Ties. They are designed to break off approximately 1 inch back in the wall. If you look closely you’ll see a conical void where a plastic spacer is imbedded in the concrete when these are removed a laborer goes back and fills them with a special grout so when done it’s all smooth and the Ties are not exposed to the air." Yesterday, we found a large carton of these "SNAP TIES", one of which is pictured. The features Bob mentioned, are prominent on pictured object. - Thanks again Bob.

GGG - 4/10/22 - 398 These unknown devices / parts were found near the Eastern Approach to the bridge. They are stamped "SKANSKA - 180 Lbs". Our "WAG" is that they are the end devices which will capture and hold the cables of the concrete POST TENSIONING SYSTEM ??	GGG - 4/10/22 - 399 OLD GLORY has flown over the project each & every day.

MF - 4/10/22 - 400 BNSF 7999 is WB at BNSF FROST	MF - 4/10/22 - 401 Cattle herd at the 100 year old Kemper Campbell Ranch AKA -- BNSF FROST & MP-38.

GGG - 4/10/22 - 402	GGG - 4/10/22 - 403
# 402-402: Two views of NS 7578 & 9932 leading a BNSF train WB over the flyover at MP 39.1. The second picture is after two hours of ELECTRONIC REPAINTING to eliminate the ever-present & ever-UGLY graffiti.

4/24/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 36
Sunday (April 24) was a BEAUTIFUL Mojave day. The first half-hour on "Gray's Hill" was very quiet and then the rail traffic increased to the traffic jam level. MF & GGG
# 404-405: A long, heavy & SLOW BNSF 7041 was WB between the Flyover (MP-39.1) and the new bridge (MP-39.4). The WB was slow enough for Marc to take the following several pictures before its trailing DPU appeared.

MF - 4/24/22 - 404 BNSF 7041 was WB between the Flyover (MP-39.1) . . .	MF - 4/24/22 - 405 . . . and the new bridge (MP-39.4).

MF - 4/24/22 - 406 The Eastern-most bridge wall with its "safety" & construction walk - upon . . .	GGG - 4/24/22 - 407 . . . which Marc carefully balanced, while taking many of these photographs.

MF - 4/24/22 - 408 The Eastern bridge third, with wooden forms . . .	MF - 4/24/22 - 409 . . . ready for the concrete pour.

MF - 4/24/22 - 410 While BNSF 7041 continues its crawl WB over the Flyover, a UP EB completes the meet.	GGG - 4/24/22 - 411 Finally, BNSF 8203, DPU for BNSF 7041 WB, (mentioned in #404 & #405 above) passes under the new bridge.

MF - 4/24/22 - 412 GGG, awaiting next train.	MF - 4/24/22 - 413 UP 7707 Vehicle train climbs out of the Upper Narrows of the Mojave River. The telephoto really distorts the approximately 1.6 % grade.

MF - 4/24/22 - 414 A UP coal EMPTY is EB.	MF - 4/24/22 - 415 Trains from #413 & #414 above meet at the FLYOVER.

MF - 4/24/22 - 416 BNSF 6271 WB intermodal at the Flyover.	MF - 4/24/22 - 417 BNSF 6190 WB rear end DPU (same train) at the Flyover.

5/01/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 37
Sunday (May 1) was a beautiful day in the Mojave. After finding nothing really new at the bridge construction site, Marc & I drove down to the Kemper-Campbell Ranch at Frost (MP-38). BNSF has been replacing rail in the area and had temporally removed the FROST road crossing & the Dragging Equipment Detector (DED). For the last week, BNSF has been single tracking through this area. MF & GGG
#418 - 419: Upon arrival at FROST, we found BNSF 3789 West waiting at a solid RED while higher priority BNSF 8046 West ran around.

MF - 5/01/22 - 418 BNSF 3789 WB on hold at Frost	MF - 5/01/22 - 419 BNSF 8046 WB is passing BNSF 3789 (on hold)

MF - 5/01/22 - 420 The cattle herd at the Ranch is growing --- we estimate that there are 60+ head of cattle there now.	MF - 5/01/22 - 421 BNSF 6909 EB at Frost MP-38
#421 - 423: While BNSF 3789 W. continues to wait, BNSF 6909 EB & UP 7815 EB run past. Both the road crossing (in #424) and the DED (in #422 have been replaced.

MF - 5/01/22 - 422 UP 7815 EB is passing Frost at MP-38	MF - 5/01/22 - 423 UP 7815 passes BNSF 3789 (on hold)

MF - 5/01/22 - 424 After a two hour wait, BNSF 3789 West finally gets the GREEN and heads toward L.A.	MF - 5/01/22 - 425 We noted that several containers on BNSF 3789 were open – which suggests looting -- nothing new in California.

5/15/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 38
After two weeks, we again visited the new bridge construction area and the railroading scene at Frost. BNSF was single tracking RR East of Frost due to MOW work. Obviously, with trains varying from long to MONSTER, there was a real traffic congestion problem in the entire area. MF & GGG

MF - 5/15/22 - 426 A very long UP is WB over the flyover while a EB BNSF monster waits for the UP and a following BNSF WB to clear the crossovers at Frost.	MF - 5/15/22 - 427 The following WB BNSF 6602 is about to clear Frost

MF - 5/15/22 - 428 The EB BNSF MONSTER train, its mid-train and . . .	MF - 5/15/22 - 429 . . . rear DPU's head toward Barstow.

MF - 5/15/22 - 430 Overview: The Eastern & last third of the bridge support . . .	MF - 5/15/22 - 431 . . . structure is nearing completion - except in two channels.

MF - 5/15/22 - 432	MF - 5/15/22 - 433
# 432-433: Two channels are receiving this PVC surrounded by a metal pipe. It runs the entire length of the bridge and well past the Western bridge end. The PVC pipe has some printing concerning max voltage and temperature. It seems that the pipes are too large just to hold Bridge lighting wiring? - WE HAVE NO IDEA what this all about!

MF - 5/15/22 - 434 Also, there are two of these highly painted "structures" on the Eastern bridge approach - AGAIN, WE HAVE NO IDEA!	MF - 5/15/22 - 435 UP 2728 East & trailing DPU hit Frost, switch to the open track & head to Yermo.

MF - 5/15/22 - 436 UP 2728 East hit Frost, switch to the open track & head to Yermo.	MF - 5/15/22 - 437 UP EB trailing DPU hit Frost & head to Yermo.

MF - 5/15/22 - 438 BNSF 3691 is WB @ Frost	MF - 5/15/22 - 439 BNSF 6860, NS 1000 + BNSF 709 EB Stopped @ Frost . . . .

MF - 5/15/22 - 440 BNSF 6860, NS 1000 + BNSF 709 EB Stopped @ Frost . . . .	MF - 5/15/22 - 441 . . . . waiting for BNSF 7476 West to clear.

GGG - 5/15/22 - 442 Unnamed tributary of Mojave River which will flow under the Western bridge approach. These small streams can become RAGING RIVERS during our infrequent storms.	MF - 5/15/22 - 443 The GreenTree extension (and Western bridge approach) is nearing paving.

MF - 5/15/22 - 444	MF - 5/15/22 - 445 (railfan observer)
Two GREAT Marc shots of the horses & burros / mules at the Kemper Campbell Ranch.

5/22/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 39
I wasn't going to send these few pictures, but with the horrible events of today May 24 (mass shooting in TX), I wanted a constructive outlet. Last Sunday, Marc was showing a new (to this area) railfan the bridge construction and the area locally known as 'The Gray's Hill Overlook'. So, I joined them and we photographed a couple of interesting new developments in the bridge project. - GGG & MF
#446-447: Two of the NEW & much LOWER elevation of "Gray's Hill overlook. The original overlook was at the level of the hill at the far right (arrow). We estimate that the overlook area is now 30 - 40 feet lower.

GGG - 5/22/22 - 446	MF - 5/22/22 - 447
#448-449: I had wondered what happened to the large wooden forms used to form the walls of the bridge support structure. Skanska simply flips them to to the top and they become the floor for the deck pour. As mentioned, all of that wood will be sealed within the concrete support structure--never to be seen again (in our lifetimes).

MF - 5/22/22 - 448	MF - 5/22/22 - 449

MF - 5/22/22 - 450 UP 8570 leads an EB manifest through the area.	MF - 5/22/22 - 451 Asphalt paving has begun West from the new bridge to Hesperia RD.

5/29/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 40
Last Sunday (May 29) was a very cool, windy and dusty day. Trains were backed up at BNSF FROST due to single tracking, somewhere East of Victorville. Skanska is getting close to pouring the concrete bridge deck. We were surprised at the many tons of REBAR used to strengthen the deck. GGG & MF
#452: A project view WEST from the Eastern bridge approach. Rebar placement on the Western & middle bridge thirds appears to be nearing completion. Pictures #453 & #454 (next) were taken from the highest point on the newly paved road in the upper right of #452. #453-454: Project view as described above. The long lens distorts the road curvatures and bridge placement.

MF - 5/29/22 - 452 Looking West	MF - 5/29/22 - 453 View from the new paved road across the bridge

MF - 5/29/22 - 454 View taken with long tele lens.	MF - 5/29/22 - 455 The TIGHT weave / stacking / placement of the rebar.

MF - 5/29/22 - 456 Again, due to single tracking, BNSF 7499 EB is slowing to . . . .	MF - 5/29/22 - 457 . . . . a stop at Frost to allow BNSF 3690 WB to clear the switches.

MF - 5/29/22 - 458 Same scenario with UP 7624 EB at Flyover	MF - 5/29/22 - 459 Same scenario with NS 4479, BNSF 3741, FM 4050 WB

GGG - 5/29/22 - 460 Marc imaging UP 7624, which is switching to the open track & proceeding on to Barstow.	MF - 5/29/22 - 461 A 6+ hour LATE AMT #3 clears the Upper Narrows.

6/18/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 41
Real visible progress on the bridge on a day where train traffic was extremely heavy. Skanska Corp has started pouring the concrete bridge deck and we ran into a Construction Foreman who was willing to answer a few or our questions.
Skanska was working over the weekend and a 'white hat' (Boss type) approached - presumably to evict us . Using all our "Desert Rat charm" & explaining that we were documenting the construction, he became very friendly and talked with us for about 15 minutes. Here are the highlights of our conversation: A): The bridge should be finished next month. B): The bridge will have a six foot pedestrian / bike lane on the South side and a twelve footer on the North side. Both of these lanes will be guarded, from traffic, by a concrete barrier AND have some kind of fence on each outside. C): The deck concrete will be 9 & 3/8ths inches thick. D): "The TEREX Concrete Paving Machine does a much better job, faster than any of the OLD techniques" 4800 RC Roller Paver \| Terex Bid-Well - Terex Bid Well Bridge Pavers - YouTube *The POST-Tensioning cables will be added and tensioned AFTER all concrete has been poured & allowed to "setup some". I asked how they would get the cables through the tubes since the tubes were installed in a kind of 'gentle roller coaster' (UNDULATING) fashion and encased in concrete. He smiled and mentioned that they had some kind of crawler machine that would pull the cables through---as long as the tubes were still connected.
First I thought we'd show just how much dirt has been removed from Gray's Hill. #462-463: From approximately the same position, please note the two arrows pointing at the same hill on the dates indicated.

GGG - 6/18/22 - 462	MF - 6/18/22 - 463

MF - 6/18/22 - 464 Arrow points at the same hill from "ground level" and shows the approximately 50 feet the overlook has been reduced in elevation.	GGG - 6/18/22 - 465 View of the flyover area from 2019 (before the overlook elevation has been reduced).

MF - 6/18/22 - 466 View of the flyover area from 2022 (after the overlook elevation has been reduced).	MF - 6/18/22 - 467 BNSF 6801 EB will roll under the Flyover

MF - 6/18/22 - 468 BNSF 6588 WB V-train	MF - 6/18/22 - 469 BNSF 6747 WB on the Flyover

MF - 6/18/22 - 470 UP 7340 MTY COAL is EB for another export load	MF - 6/18/22 - 471 Bridge Overview

MF - 6/18/22 - 472 Overview with Terex / Skanska Concrete Paving Machine on left.	MF - 6/18/22 - 473 Skanska Concrete Paving Machine--Note the 'pole' running length of pour (lower middle of picture). Two of these "pipes" (one on each side) will guide the machine, level it or introduce any desired grade to the final deck surface.

GGG - 6/18/22 - 474 Marc INSPECTING the work. He OK'ed everything---as long as the outside fences allow for photography!	MF - 6/18/22 - 475 BNSF 6195 EB has passed under the new bridge & approaches soon the Flyover bridge.

MF - 6/18/22 - 476 BNSF 6195 EB is passing under the "HIGHLY DECORATED" Flyover bridge.	MF - 6/18/22 - 477 UP eight unit EB light engine move at Frost.

MF - 6/18/22 - 478 UP eight unit EB light engine move toward the Narrows.	MF - 6/18/22 - 479 BNSF 3836 is EB to Barstow at Frost

MF - 6/18/22 - 480 same BNSF EB with 2 rear end DPU's on the way to Barstow.	MF - 6/18/22 - 481 A 'WELL USED' and VERY DIRTY UP 8794 is WB at BNSF MP 38 (Frost)

7/03/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 43
Visible progress at last. The EB lanes of the bridge deck have been poured and the Concrete Paving machine has been positioned to pour the WB lanes. GGG & MF
# 482: From near the future intersection of GreenTree & Ridgecrest Roads the tremendous amount of dirt removed is evident. In the "OLD DAYS", we would enter Gray's Hill at the far left & drive to the top of the background hill, turn RIGHT and drive to the Hill on the left.

MF - 7/03/22 - 482 See text above	MF - 7/03/22 - 483 The OVERLOOK was on top of the hill on the right - 40 to 50 feet higher than the camera position.

MF - 7/03/22 - 484 Overview of the bridge with the EB lanes newly poured.	MF - 7/03/22 - 485 The Eastern end of the bridge. We are sure that the three sets of three square holes in the plywood strips are access points for the Post Pour Tension Cables (to be explained later).

MF - 7/03/22 - 486 Bridge North side showing the rebar for the future BARRIER which will protect pedestrians & cyclists from CA drivers.	MF - 7/03/22 - 487 BNSF 6209 is EB past the corrals (which house bison, horses & mules).

MF - 7/03/22 - 488 BNSF 7011 leads the cleanest consist (we've lately seen) EB under the bridge.	GGG - 7/03/22 - 489 Looking East, the Concrete Paving Machine stands ready to pave the WB lanes

MF - 7/03/22 - 490 Looking East, the Concrete Paving Machine stands ready to pave the WB lanes	MF - 7/03/22 - 491 Looking East, the Concrete Paving Machine stands ready to pave the WB lanes

MF - 7/03/22 - 492 UP 8453 is EB, to the bridge coming from Cajon.	MF - 7/03/22 - 493 UP 6351 is EB mid-train DPU for UP 8453.

MF - 7/03/22 - 494 UP 9080 is trailing DPU of UP 8453 EB to the bridge.	MF - 7/03/22 - 495 Western end of bridge with tension cable access ports
Post-tensioned concrete is a type of prestressed concrete where the concrete is strengthened via an arrangement of reinforcement held in tension. Steel cables, called post-tensioning tendons, are placed in plastic sleeves and positioned inside the concrete formwork before the concrete is poured. Once the concrete is poured and gained sufficient strength, the cables are pulled at either end (tensioned) and anchored on the outer edges of the concrete. THANKS TO BOB W.

MF - 7/03/22 - 496 Tension cable rolls labeled '7 strand, 3/8 inch cable'.	GGG - 7/03/22 - 497 UP 7163 with 4 more units are WB @ MP 39.4

MF - 7/03/22 - 498 UP 6717 is trailing DPU of UP 7163 WB @ MP 39.4	MF - 7/03/22 - 499 Wile E. Coyote is crossing the tracks at Frost and stalking his lunch on the other side, Marc's attention is focused on a train.

MF - 7/03/22 - 500 Wile E. Coyote is stalking his lunch while Marc's attention is focused on a train. No problem---I (GGG) fought-off the coyote bare handed! LOL	GGG - 7/03/22 - 501 Wile E. Coyote is stalking his lunch while Marc's attention is focused on a train. No problem---I (GGG) fought-off the coyote bare handed! LOL

GGG - 7/03/22 - 502 BNSF 6585 is EB @ Frost	GGG - 7/03/22 - 503 UP 8239 is EB @ Frost

7/23/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 45
I've been all over the "NET" & YouTube trying to make sure we have the nomenclature of the bridge post tension parts and processes correct. I understand that MOST of you are not interested in Concrete Bridge POST STRESSING, but here is what I came-up with - (Marc made me do it ?????)
#510 & #511: Looking over the ramp from the future GreenTree/RidgeCrest Rds intersection. This area has been lowered 50+ feet. The ramp is now nearing a reasonable angle of assent/dissent.

MF - 7/23/22 - 510 (see above)	MF - 7/23/22 - 511 (see above)
#512 & #513: From the EAST (ANCHOR) END. There are seven rows of portals, each row has three portals which hold the "tendons" (cables) for the tensioning process. After threading the tendons through an "Anchor Block", each 'tendon' has a 'anchor wedge' attached. The wedge, surrounding the tendon, is then fitted into the anchor block - tension will cause the wedge to expand & prevent the cable from pulling through the block.
MF - 7/23/22 - 512 (see above)
MF - 7/23/22 - 514 (see below)	MF - 7/23/22 - 513 (see above)
#514: From the WEST (WORKING) END. After threading the tendons through another "Anchor Block", 'Anchor Wedges' will be fitted to each tendon. The hydraulic tensioning device (#515 & #516) will be moved into position and attached to the tendons. A prescribed amount of stretching / tension force is applied to the tendons, the wedges moved into position and the Hydraulic device removed. VIDEO AT: (14) Post Tensioning of Bridge Girder ll Girder Stressing of Bridge ll Full Documentary - YouTube

MF - 7/23/22 - 515 (see above)	MF - 7/23/22 - 516 (see above)
#517: QUESTIONS: We cannot identify the machines pictured in #517. There are 21 of them, which corresponds to the number of tension tubes. We wonder if these machines had anything to do with threading the tendons through the tubes??? From what I read, grouting within the tension tubes is of the utmost importance in preventing tendon rust & bridge collapse. We find no way for the contractor to introduce grout into these tubes. Could it be that, since this bridge crosses no body of water & only faces 3-6 inches of yearly precipitation, grout is not needed ??

MF - 7/23/22 - 517 (see above)	MF - 7/23/22 - 520 Inspector Marc OK's the progress--so far
#518: BNSF 3964 +3 leading and 3 trailing DPU's is WB with a very very long ethanol loads (the BOMB). I didn't notice the CROSS until I edited the pictures--Here is what I found: Michael Slavin Victim in Victorville ATV Train Accident
MF - 7/23/22 - 518 (see above) BNSF 3964 WB Ethanol Train
MF - 7/23/22 - 519 While the "BOMB" continues WB, BNSF 3987 is EB with a long 'stacker'	MF - 7/23/22 - 521 All of these wooden & steel beams must be removed from the entire project, leaving only the six HUGE concrete support columns---two of which are partially visible on the left. It'll be a delicate game of HUGE "PICK-UP STICKS".

8/07/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 46
Last Sunday (aug. 7), Marc & I visited the new bridge project. We've had some really bright sunshine days with HIGH Heat & High (for here) HUMIDITY. Picture taking was difficult due to the HEAT WAVES & held to a minimum as we were 'FORCED' to retreat to AIR CONDITIONING, reclining chairs and a Cold Coke (the drinking kind). The first four pictures are centered around the new intersection where RidgeCrest Rd (from the South) will meet GreenTree Rd (from the West/Victorville) & Yates Rd (from the East/Apple Valley).

MF - 8/07/22 - 522 We enter project from Ridgecrest Rd	MF - 8/07/22 - 523 The hill on the right once was part of the overlook on Gray's Hill. We estimate that the Road is now 60+ feet lower than the crest of the old Gray's Hill overlook.

MF - 8/07/22 - 524 The ramp, after widening, will flow into Yates RD, pass the Mojave Narrows Park & proceed on to Apple Valley. The bit of RidgeCrest Rd showing at the far right will be abandoned.	MF - 8/07/22 - 525 From the new bridge looking E/NE at the new intersection

MF - 8/07/22 - 526 UP 6451 is WB @ MP 39.1 on the flyover	MF - 8/07/22 - 527 Crews have begun removal of the HUGE wooden & steel beams which supported the construction.

GGG - 8/07/22 - 528 Views of the bridge underside with supporting materials removed.	GGG - 8/07/22 - 529 Views of the bridge underside with supporting materials removed.

MF - 8/07/22 - 530 BNSF 6757 WB with a FRESH RAIL train over the flyover	MF - 8/07/22 - 531 BNSF 6757 WB with a FRESH RAIL train approaching new bridge
#532 & #533 The EASTERN Bridge wall serves as the ANCHOR for the 21 sets of "tendons" (cables). These tendons, when tensioned (stretched) serve to strengthen the concrete structure and to prevent concrete cracking. #533 shows the waterproof caps and grout overflow devices.

MF - 8/07/22 - 532 see text above	MF - 8/07/22 - 533 see text above (original photo was vertical)
#534 - #536 From the WESTERN Bridge end. Our questions concerning grouting the tendons have been answered. Evidently, after tensioning, waterproofing the tendons is of upmost importance in preventing RUST & the ultimate failure of said tendons - and possibly the structure. The equipment necessary to mix and pressure feed the grout into the tendon tubes is shown.

MF - 8/07/22 - 534 - see text above	MF - 8/07/22 - 535 - see text above

MF - 8/07/22 - 536 see text above (original photo was vertical)	MF - 8/07/22 - 537 BNSF 7463 is EB approaching Frost at track speed

MF - 8/07/22 - 538 BNSF 7463 is EB passing Frost at track speed	MF - 8/07/22 - 539 BNSF 8243 is also EB at Frost

8/27/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 47
After two weeks, we thought it is time to again visit the New Bridge construction site. GGG & MF

MF - 7/24/22 - 540 (click to see full vertical photo) We've had, for a long time, two burning questions -- How will crews remove all the tons of False Work (HUGE STEEL & WOODEN beams) which supported the concrete bridge during construction?	MF - 7/24/22 - 541 What function do the 20 pictured machines fulfill?

MF - 8/27/22 - 542 Marc suggested that we first visit the Southern Hill which was, once, our entrance to Gray's Hill -- off Ridgecrest Rd. The following pictures were all taken from different levels on the pictured Southern Tall Hill and they answer the above questions.	MF - 8/27/22 - 543 See text below NW view of bridge
#543-547: IN GENERAL -- A close look will reveal that the unknown Red & blue machines are some kind of "cable pullers". The four huge stacks of concrete blocks, which we named THE MOJAVE STONEHENGE, are actually counterweights. Four "I" beams are placed crosswise under the bridge and attached to the eight (four on each side) "cable pullers". The beams are then raised up to hold the false work tightly against the underside of the deck and the numerous HEAVY vertical supports are removed. The deck falsework can then be lowered to ground level & the job of false work removal can begin. Since this portion of the "false work" spans the heavily used BNSF Main Line, all trains must be halted & the tracks inspected before resumption of railroad traffic.

MF - 8/27/22 - 544 - see text above close-up of bridge deck	MF - 8/27/22 - 545 - see text above deck level view of bridge

MF - 8/27/22 - 546 - see text above Mojave Stonehenge	MF - 8/27/22 - 547 - see text above close-up of retaining beams

MF - 8/27/22 - 548 UP 9019 is EB at Frost	MF - 8/27/22 - 549 UP 2545 EB is DPU for UP 9019 at Frost

MF - 8/27/22 - 550 BNSF 5147 is EB at Frost	MF - 8/27/22 - 551 BNSF Manned helpers are EB @ the FLYOVER.

MF - 8/27/22 - 552 BNSF Manned helpers are EB @ the FLYOVER.	MF - 8/27/22 - 553 The finished West bridge end, with infrastructure piping installed
#554-555: The ten foot wide pedestrian/bicycle lane with the upright safety fence supports installed. The safety fence, evidently, will vary from 4.5 feet at both ends to 10.5 feet over the BNSF tracks--to dissuade JUMPERS & BOULDER DROPPERS---remember, this is California. The rebar to the right of the Bike lane is for a future barrier which will protect pedestrians/bike riders from high speed vehicles.

MF - 8/27/22 - 554 - see text above safety railing North side	MF - 8/27/22 - 555 - see text above safety railing North side

MF - 8/27/22 - 556 Looking SE, the future Safety Fence heights can be seen. We have no idea high tight the fence mesh will be, but adults SHOULD be able to photograph over both shorter END sections of the fencing. The BAD news is that we see no provisions for parking anywhere near the bridge & crossing the 4 or 5 traffic lanes on foot, will amount to practice suicide.	GGG - 8/27/22 - 557 Marc getting the previous pictures while paying strict attention to the warning signs.

MF - 8/27/22 - 558 The RR East view of the Flyover, from the bridge.	GGG - 8/27/22 - 559 UP 7052 heads a LONG MTY Coal train East to Utah, for another load.

MF - 8/27/22 - 560	MF - 8/27/22 - 561
#560-561: A new structure PROBABLY designed to protect the Western abutment from our infrequent but potentially violent Monsoon Rains.

9/11/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 48
Last Sunday (Sept. 11), Marc & I again ventured to the new vehicular bridge over the BNSF transcon, at BNSF Cajon Sub MP 39.4. The bridge is in the final construction phases. MF & GGG

MF - 9/11/22 - 562 An overview with some of the tons of steel & wood, used to support the construction, stacked, banded, & ready for removal.	MF - 9/11/22 - 563 see text below
# 563-565: The free standing bridge without supports or false-work. In # 565, note the erosion caused by our recent quarter inch of rain. We think the separate structure below and to the left of the bridge will have "something" to do with the protection of the Western bridge abutment against "flooding"???

MF - 9/11/22 - 564 Eastern bridge third	MF - 9/11/22 - 565 Western bridge end

MF - 9/11/22 - 566 Our first train of the day was a long BNSF East Bound . . . .	MF - 9/11/22 - 567 . . . . in the 4+2 configuration (4 units front and 2 units rear end).

MF - 9/11/22 - 568 The pedestrian / bike lane with the newly installed lighting fixtures and safety railing supports to the left. The rebar to the right will reinforce a future barrier, which will protect pedestrians and cyclists from the high speed traffic.	GGG - 9/11/22 - 569 Marc is 5 feet 8 inches tall (68 inches) and the new railing is 54 inches which should give us a chance to do some train watching without railing interference.
# 569-570: Several have asked about RR photographic opportunities from the new bridge. Until now your question could not be answered because we didn't know the final height of the safety railing. Last edition, we could see the height of the safety rail supports but still did not know the height of the WIRE MESH INFILL PANELS. So today, with a few of the panels installed, we can safely report the following: Marc is 5 feet 8 inches tall (68 inches) The shorter supports are 54 inches (including the 18" short concrete supporting wall). Refer to pictures # 563-565: which show the number of 54 inch supports installed. Including BOTH SIDES of BOTH BRIDGE ENDS, approximately forty percent of the bridge will have the 54 inch high safety railing.

MF - 9/11/22 - 570 view from West end of bridge	MF - 9/11/22 - 571 The Railroad East view toward the Flyover / Frost from OVER a shorter (54") safety railing support.
The following ten pictures all deal with with one event we experienced and enjoyed, while documenting the construction. It is truly amazing how much noise and vibration thirteen diesel units & 47,000+ Horse Power can generate, whether pulling or dynamically braking.
# 572-576: UP 5285 WB, its mid-train and trailing DPU's (4+1+1) are WB on fly-over @ MP 39.1. They then run under the NEW bridge @ MP 39.4 and on RR West toward MP 40.

MF - 9/11/22 - 572 UP 5285 WB on Flyover at MP 39.1	MF - 9/11/22 - 573 UP 5285 WB at MP 39.2

MF - 9/11/22 - 574 UP 6708 mid train DPU	MF - 9/11/22 - 575 UP 5923 rear end DPU

GGG - 9/11/22 - 576 UP 5285 WB at MP 38.5	GGG - 9/11/22 - 577 UP 7203 East joins the scene in a 6+1 configuration.
# 578-580: UP 7203 EB meets UP 5285 WB - and continues East to the flyover.

GGG - 9/11/22 - 578	GGG - 9/11/22 - 579

MF - 9/11/22 - 580 UP 7203 EB just pasing under the Flyover	MF - 9/11/22 - 581 Trailing DPU's from the trains meet just RR West of the new bridge.

9/24/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 49
The GreenTree RD extension bridge is nearing completion and most work now centers on the grading of connecting roads and flood control. While we Mojave Desert "FOLKS" are rarely concerned with flooding, our occasional cloud bursts can cause major flooding and damage. MF & GGG

MF - 9/24/22 - 582 was taken from about half way down the "Ramp" looking back South toward the new intersection. The Gray's Hill overlook was once at peak of the hill to the left.	MF - 9/24/22 - 583 looks North East toward the Park & shows the road turning East toward Apple Valley. The Ramp Grade is not as pronounced as the picture shows. We wonder how much dirt has been removed, since the roads appear to be 50-60 feet lower than the original elevations.

GGG - 9/24/22 - 584 Marc searching for and finding the perfect location for a picture of the Eastern approach to the bridge--ready for the concrete pour.	MF - 9/24/22 - 585 Marc searching for and finding the perfect location for a picture of the Eastern approach to the bridge--ready for the concrete pour.

MF - 9/24/22 - 586 UP 5489 West Bound Manifest passing KCR and Frost	MF - 9/24/22 - 587 UP 5489 West Bound with mid train DPU.

MF - 9/24/22 - 588 UP 5489 West Bound with trailing DPU's.	GGG - 9/24/22 - 589 From Kemper Campbell Ranch (KCR) property, looking Compass East, BNSF 3776+4 are Railroad West Bound.

MF - 9/24/22 - 590 The mules, horses & cattle of the KCR herd.	MF - 9/24/22 - 591 The mules, horses & cattle of the KCR herd.

MF - 9/24/22 - 592 Full bridge view with safety railings / fencing completed.	MF - 9/24/22 - 593 BNSF 4542 Intermodal is WB.

MF - 9/24/22 - 594 BNSF 4542 and trailing DPU BNSF 4238 are WB.	GGG - 9/24/22 - 595 BNSF 6176+7 units are Westbound over the Flyover at MP 39

MF - 9/24/22 - 596 BNSF 6176+7 heading West at MP 39.5	MF - 9/24/22 - 597 BNSF 6176+7 WB meets BNSF 6673+4 EB at MP 40

MF - 9/24/22 - 598 BNSF 6673+4 EB passes tail of BNSF 6176+7 WB	MF - 9/24/22 - 599 BNSF 6673+4 EB 39.4

MF - 9/24/22 - 600 BNSF 6673+4 EB passes under new bridge at MP 39.4	GGG - 9/24/22 - 601 BNSF 6673+4 EB to Flyover at MP 39.1

10/30/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 50
Since the bridge is 99.9999% complete and the BNSF is running unimpeded, this will be the next to last update ---- NO APPLAUSE PLEASE. Probably, the last update will show the FINISHED project and thank all who provided information, hints & positive reinforcement throughout our undertakings. Marc has been traveling and camping through Texas for the last month and so Laura & I decided, Sunday, to drive over and see what's new with the bridge project. Two problems dogged our quick trip: All of the "roads and trails" we use for access were heavily TRENCHED for infrastructure installation or BLOCKED by machinery --- and and there was ZERO train traffic. GGG & LMG

GGG - 10/30/22 - 602 from the HIGH South Hill and show the 'completed' bridge.	GGG - 10/30/22 - 603 from the HIGH South Hill and show the 'completed' bridge.

LMG - 10/30/22 - 604 Looking COMPASS East - the old Ridgecrest Rd will be abandoned and Chinquapin will extended to intersect the new Ridgecrest.	LMG - 10/30/22 - 605 Looking NE, from the new intersection, toward the Mojave Narrows Park and on to Apple Valley. There are three different types of pipe waiting to be buried in the numerous trenches already dug into the ramp.

LMG - 10/30/22 - 606 Looking NE, from the new intersection, toward the Mojave Narrows Park and on to Apple Valley, with description for orientation.	GGG - 10/30/22 - 607 When the structure (lower center left) was standing alone, we questioned its purpose. Obvious now that it will both divert rain water away from and support the hill.

GGG - 10/30/22 - 608 Marc's replacement (LMG) --- much nicer company	GGG - 10/30/22 - 609 Bridge Deck

LMG - 10/30/22 - 610 Northern walkway & Bike path with a concrete traffic protection wall on left & safety railing on right.	LMG - 10/30/22 - 611 Northern view from OVER the safety railing.

LMG - 10/30/22 - 612 Southern walkway/bike path.	LMG - 10/30/22 - 613 A four way sewer ??? junction --- Should bring some interesting comments from this group.

11/19/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 51
Obviously, I've changed my mind & have decided to send a few more pictures of the bridge project. GGG & MF
# 614-615: were taken from approximately the same position a bit less than 18 months apart. The amount of DIRT moved or removed (estimated at 2 Billion pounds by Victorville City) is amazing. Gray's Hill Overlook has been replaced by a deep canyon.

GGG - 11/19/22 - 614	GGG - 11/19/22 - 615

MF - 11/19/22 - 616 # 616-617: The six foot wide Southern foot/bike path and it's ten foot wide Northern counterpart -- and their newly poured surfaces are pictured.	MF - 11/19/22 - 618 Heat Expansion & Earthquake protection joints are placed between the Bridge deck and both abutment concrete pours.

MF - 11/19/22 - 617 See text above. BNSF track views from the bridge, are unimpeded in both directions.	GGG - 11/19/22 - 621 Both abutments will be protected, from erosion, by sloped concrete retention walls.

MF - 11/19/22 - 619 BNSF 3766 & it's DPU are WB Through Frost @ MP 38.	MF - 11/19/22 - 620 BNSF 3766 & it's DPU are WB Through Frost @ MP 38.

MF - 11/19/22 - 622 As I've mentioned several times, the infrequent THUNDER storms here in the Desert are not to be ignored. This newly named creek bed (Marc's Dry Creek Bed), and a few others, drain the entire area from the mountains (UPPER LEFT) down to the Mojave River (behind the camera). This Creek Bed flows under the Western Bridge approach (bridge shadow under mountains @ upper left), through the tubes in the BNSF ROW, across the top of Mojave Narrows Park and into the normally dry MOJAVE RIVER.	MF - 11/19/22 - 623 The Creek bed flow CAN become so intense that ALL erosion vulnerable areas must be protected with HEAVY plastic sheeting and RIP-RAP.

1/28/23: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 52
Well, the GreenTree BLVD extension project is nearing completion. As you will see, the project roads are being paved and the intersection traffic control lights are in place. GGG, MF, LMG

GGG - 1/28/23 - 624 This edited Google map, of the area, will be referenced in the following narrative.

GGG - 1/28/23 - 625 The new intersection (map #3) with the road to Victorville (left) and Apple Valley (right).	GGG - 1/28/23 - 626 From the intersection looking back up the new Ridgecrest Rd (map #3 to #5)

GGG - 1/28/23 - 627 Looking West over the newly completed bridge (map #2) at the mountains.	GGG - 1/28/23 - 628 (From map #3 to #4) The 'ramp' headed down to the Park and on to Apple Valley

MF - 1/28/23 - 629 (From map #5) The OLD (LEFT SIDE) & NEW Ridgecrest Rds are pictured. Most of the visible portion of OLD Ridegcrest Rd will be abandoned.	GGG - 1/28/23 - 630 HOPEFULLY, this slanted section of curbing/driveway approach will allow BNSF employees & railfans access to the tracks near the flyover.

GGG - 1/28/23 - 631 TEN of Uncle Warren's finest MEET at BNSF FROST.	GGG - 1/28/23 - 632 BNSF 3831 EB at Frost passing WB intermodal

GGG - 1/28/23 - 633 THE RAILFAN's MOST DREADED NIGHTMARE---Out in the boonies, just 2 miles from home, no decent road access, with a vehicle that will not START.	GGG - 1/28/23 - 634 UP 2686 EB Auto Carrier at Frost
#634-637: While awaiting HELP for FOUR hours, with numerous phone calls & talking the tow truck through through the K-C ranch, there were PLENTY of trains to photograph. Here are four of them!

GGG - 1/28/23 - 635 BNSF 4292 WB Intermodal at Frost	GGG - 1/28/23 - 636 BNSF 4686 WB Intermodal at Frost

GGG - 1/28/23 - 637 BNSF 7526 WB Auto Carrier at Frost	LMG - 1/28/23 - 638 DEAD FORD DELIVERY BTW, later that eve, the Ferd (Ford) started up and ran well.
FOR SALE 2002 Ford Sportrac 108,000 (mostly Off Road) miles Pickup at residence Bring tow truck

2/12/23: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 53
Naturally, before the SUPER BOWL game, Marc & I had to “inspect” progress of the project. The project is rapidly approaching the GRAND OPENING of the GreenTree Extension. GGG & MF

GGG - 2/12/23 - 639 The always helpful EDITED Google map showing the more interesting points of the project. Two of the three roads forming the new intersection are 50% (2 of 4 lanes) open to traffic - MAP POINTS 4, 3, & 5.	GGG - 2/12/23 - 640 As noted in the MAP, Old Ridgecrest RD has been abandoned and removed. Two lanes of the NEW RIDGECREST RD are OPEN & in use.

GGG - 2/12/23 - 641 An OLDER PICTURE with ‘A’ showing the approximate location & level of the OLD “Gray’s” FLYOVER lookout. ‘B’ Is the HIGH HILL position from which the following pictures were taken. We estimate that the High Hill is 80+ feet above the new intersection.	GGG - 2/12/23 - 642 The new intersection from the HIGH HILL. The upper right road goes to the Mojave Narrows Park and on to APPLE VALLEY. The lower left Rd will lead to the new bridge & on to Victorviile.

GGG - 2/12/23 - 643 Two views of the NEW Bridge (not opened yet) and the West bound . .	GGG - 2/12/23 - 644 . . . GreenTree Blvd which will, within two miles, connect with I-15).

GGG - 2/12/23 - 645	GGG - 2/12/23 - 646
BNSF 4743 West crosses the Flyover and approaches new bridge. Although Railroad views from the HIGH HILL are extremely limited, there are still plenty of older and newer views available.

3/05/23: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 54
Marc & I returned to the scene (BNSF Frost) of my vehicular failure a few weeks ago. Thanks to my Friend, Neighbor & Master Mechanic Jorge L., all is well with Cajon Rover #2. We started at the High Hill looking North at the Mojave River Upper Narrows and the County Park. MF & GGG
From fairly long range: #647- #650: BNSF 6855 is WB between the Mojave Narrows Park & the Kemper Campbell Ranch - approaching the Flyover and the new GreenTree extension bridge (due to open soon).

MF - 3/05/23 - 647 BNSF 6855 WB on the way to the flyover	MF - 3/05/23 - 648 BNSF 6855 WB on the way to the flyover

MF - 3/05/23 - 649 BNSF 6855 WB just before the new bridge	MF - 3/05/23 - 650 BNSF 6855 WB passing under the new bridge
We had noticed that the Kemper Campbell Ranch (KCR) is advertising as a venue for Weddings, meetings, tourist visits, trail Rides etc. High Desert Venue \| Kemper Campbell Ranch \| California

MF - 3/05/23 - 651 Two images of a trail ride exiting the KCR, crossing the BNSF transcon and entering the Mojave Narrows Regional Park.	MF - 3/05/23 - 652 Two images of a trail ride exiting the KCR, crossing the BNSF transcon and entering the Mojave Narrows Regional Park.

MF - 3/05/23 - 653 KCR is still a working ranch with cattle, mules & horses.	MF - 3/05/23 - 654 KCR is still a working ranch with cattle, mules & horses.

MF - 3/05/23 - 655 BNSF 3273 is WB through Frost.	GGG - 3/05/23 - 656 BNSF 3273 is WB through Frost.

5/07/23: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 57

Great shot ... so whereabouts will you go to shoot the flyover now that Gray’s Hill is no more?
This question came from John P. after seeing the "South View" above.

Here is the reply from GGG:

There are still two good views of the flyover --- from the new bridge & from the NEW Ridgecrest RD. Neither have the prior elevation advantage(s) - but so be it.

If one does not mind a long hike up a near 45 degree loose dirt hill, the OLD ELEVATED view of the Flyover is still available from the peak between the old & new RidgeCrest Rds.

I've had a few questions concerning the disposition of all the Gray's Hill dirt removed during this construction ???

Much of the removed dirt from Gray's Hill has been used to elevate three large parcels of land directly South (2 miles) of the project, near Bear Valley RD.

On the attached Google map, you will note Gray's Hill & the new bridge at the top and a large RED X at the bottom, near Bear Valley Rd. The RED X large land parcels were about the same level as the BNSF tracks & about 20-30 feet lower than RidgeCrest RD. For about 90 straight work days, large dump trucks carried Gray's Hill dirt South from the project to the low RED X area, eventually raising the entire elevation to near RidgeCrest Road level. It appears to be a WIN WIN - in that the construction folks got rid of tons of unwanted dirt & the owner(s) of that previously low land, now have develop-able land.

In other words, Gray's Hill NORTH is now Gray's Flat SOUTH!!! GGG

GGG - 5/07/23 - 658 Project Map (click to enlarge)

5/20/23: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 58 and final
Finally, IT'S FINISHED !!! Almost three years ago, Marc & I reported the first dirt being turned, to begin making the GreenTree BLVD/AVE/ROAD Extension a reality. On May 20, The City of Victorville hosted a Ribbon Cutting, Classic Car Show & Fun Walk to Celebrate the opening of the GREENTREE BLVD Extension. This major extension (road & bridge) will provide a third unimpeded crossing of the VERY BUSY BNSF railroad transcontinental Main Line. It will also ease routine and emergency traffic among the Cites of Apple Valley, Hesperia and Victorville.
Yesterday (May 20), Marc was busy elsewhere and so Jorge Lopez & I drove to what's left of Gray's hill to take the following images.

GGG - 5/20/23 - 659 CELEBRATION ANNOUNCEMENT	GGG - 5/20/23 - 672 Close up view of some classic vehicles

GGG - 5/20/23 - 661 The obligatory speeches by the politicians - often interrupted (thankfully) by the passing of those noisy trains - blowing their horns.	GGG - 5/20/23 - 667 Several of the classic automobiles displayed

GGG - 5/20/23 - 660 Overview of the celebratory scene	GGG - 5/20/23 - 662 UP 7467 is EB and will pass under the bridge

GGG - 5/20/23 - 663 UP 7467 is EB just passed under the bridge (as seen from Gray's Hill)

GGG - 5/20/23 - 664 Jorge "inspecting" (LOL) the celebration	JL - 5/20/23 - 665 GGG "inspecting" (LOL) the celebration

GGG - 5/20/23 - 668 BNSF 6757 is WB under the new bridge	GGG - 5/20/23 - 669 BNSF mid-train DPU's are WB under the new bridge

GGG - 5/20/23 - 671 BNSF 7559 is EB through the area (as seen from Gray's Hill)

GGG - 5/20/23 - 666 Looking East at Horseshoe Lake within Mojave Narrows Regional Park	GGG - 5/20/23 - 670 Although it was in the high 80's on the Mojave Desert floor, there is still a good bit of snow in the San Gabriel mountains
Many thanks to my friend and photographic partner Marc Fournier, for his many hours of climbing hills and dodging snakes to help bring you three years of GREENTREE EXTENSION construction documentation. This photographic project would have been impossible without his help. Also, our thanks to our friends Doc Jones, Gordon G., Bob W., & Jorge L. for sharing their construction knowledge and answering many of our questions. We hope you have enjoyed our efforts Gary & Marc
Who did ever expect there will be 672 photos on this one of a kind project ? Thanks to Gary and Marc ! Werner

Cajon 1 with 2006 photos - click here	Cajon 2 with 2007 photos - click here	Cajon 3 with 2008 photos - click here
Cajon 4 with 2009 photos - click here	Cajon 5 with 2010 photos - click here	Cajon 6 with 2011 photos - click here
Cajon 7 with 2012 photos - click here	Cajon 8 with 2013 photos - click here	Cajon 9 with 2014 photos - click here
Cajon 10 with 2015 photos - click here	Cajon 11 with 2016 photos - click here	Cajon 12 with 2017 photos - click here
Cajon 13 with 2018 photos - click here	Cajon 14 with 2019 photos - click here	Cajon 15 with 2020 photos - click here
Cajon 16 with 2021 photos - click here	Cajon 17 with 2022 photos - click here	Cajon 18 with 2023 photos - click here
History of Hill 582 photos - click here	Ranchero Road Bridge - click here	Colton Flyover Project - click here
Green Tree Blvd. Bridge - click here	Mojave River Bridges - click here	Highway 138 East Project - click here

The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 2
Because we have no idea what will happen to Gray's Hill or even if we'll have access to what's left, I've decided to fully document the area as it stands. GGG

GGG 2/03/17 The relative heights of the Desert Floor & Gray's Hill, according to GARMIN GPS - 010	GGG 2/03/17 Two views East, from the Desert floor, of Frost and the Mojave River upper narrows - 011

GGG 2/03/17 close up of upper narrows - 012	GGG 11/25/16 BNSF 7575 WB MP 39.1 - 013

GGG 11/25/16 BNSF WB DPU's (same train) - 014	GGG 1/30/17 BNSF 5771 (on the normally EB track) is WB - 015

GGG 11/25/16 UP 6542 with a GE Tier 4 (2nd unit) is WB @ MP 39.1 - 016	GGG 11/25/16 UP 2691 GE Tier 4 DPU WB on same manifest - 017

The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 3
If anyone remembers 'The Demise of Gray's Hill' photographic project started in 2016 ?? It looks like 'they' (Victorville) are finally getting serious about "The Demise of Gray's Hill" and the completion of the latest road from VictorVille to Apple Valley. Drove up to "Gray's Hill" today (7/05/20) and there is activity between Hesperia Rd (to the West) and the BNSF tracks. Of course, the slowest & most expensive part of this project will be the Bridge over the BNSF. Two projects going -- I may earn my COVID BREAD & WATER.

GGG 7/05/20 Green Tree Blvd. East - 018	GGG 7/05/20 edited copy - 019

1/23/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Special Bonus Photos
While Marc & I were out chasing trains & documenting construction progress of the new bridge, a couple of extra views were noted & photographed. So, we're sending these to a few. Hope you enjoy. More of the bridge & trains later this week. GGG & MF

MF - 1/23/22 - 298 The Rhonda Tree - Joshua Tree adopted by Rhonda S. (New Zealand)	MF - 1/23/22 - 299 The Kemper Campbell Ranch pond with a thin sheet of ice (30F this AM)

GGG - 1/23/22 - 300 Bison, Horse & OLD TRUCK Corral . . .	GGG - 1/23/22 - 301 . . . in what appears to be a old truck "reclamation" yard (SW end of new bridge)

GGG - 1/23/22 - 302 The San Gabriel mountains on a beautiful morning	GGG - 1/23/22 - 303 Quartrzite Mountain / Northern Apple Valley on a beautiful morning

7/10/22: The Demise of Gray's Hill - Part 44
Marc & I decided to make an unscheduled trip to the new bridge, to determine if the WB lanes had be poured. GGG & MF
#504 & #505 Looking West, all DECK concrete pouring has been completed and the Concrete Pouring Machine has been moved away from the immediate construction site. The West bound lanes are plastic covered, to retard too rapid concrete setting in the 100+F Mojave heat.

MF - 7/10/22 - 504	MF - 7/10/22 - 505
#506 & #507 At Kemper Campbell Ranch / BNSF Frost, we found the cow herd being rounded-up & driven into a small corral by two ladies / cowgirls. In talking to the owner, we learned that the cows will be released individually, while being sprayed with a topical ANTI-WORM solution.

MF - 7/10/22 - 506	MF - 7/10/22 - 507

MF - 7/10/22 - 508 BNSF 5100 is WB at Frost	GGG - 7/10/22 - 509 Looking East at the project.

Our friend Spike was in Palmdale, CA to fly the NASA B-747SP (SOFIA). Last Wednesday, he drove over to have lunch with Doc Jones & me, at where else, but DA DUMP. After lunch, we drove down to the Western Abutment of the GreenTree Rd Extension bridge over the BNSF Transcon. As we got closer to our target, a cloud of very very heavy black smoke rose from very near the Western abutment on November 3rd. # 172 (above): You may remember this picture of an old motor-home used as a domicile for the homeless.

GGG 11/03/21 - 180 The old motor-home was rapidly becoming a CINDER.	GGG 11/03/21 - 181 The old motor-home was rapidly becoming a CINDER.