updated: August 19, 2018: photo 8068
The project to realign SR-138 is essentially complete and the road is fully open to traffic.

I am very pleased to show some exclusive photos of these photographers:
Don E. Toles (DET), Gary G. Gray (GGG), Marc Fournier (MF)
Bruce "Doc" Jones (BHJ), Keith Schreiber (KAS), Paul Westover (PW)
Michael Frei (MIF) (more to follow)
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.

May 31, 2018: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project is completed.
For all who are familiar with Hwy 138 while visitting Cajon Pass, are aware of the old two lane and curvy Highway 138 coming from exit # 131 (I-15) and going to Summit. Several years ago, Hwy 138 has been widened after the exit toward Summit for the first 1.9 mls. But from that point up to Summit, it is a curvy up and down slow speed (mountain) road. Three bridges and one undercrossing will be built. (Hog Ranch Creek Bridge, Vjner's Shack Creek Bridge, OHV Undercrossing, Double Drajn Cheek Bridge)
Map copyright by Caltrans and RUS -  6214 more infos:  http://www.dot.ca.gov/dist8/documents/sr138/SR-138-EAST-ALIGNMENT-FACT-SHEET-070716.pdf more detailed infos with different maps:  http://www.spl.usace.army.mil/Portals/17/docs/publicnotices/SR138_realignment.pdf
Hwy 138 looking toward Summit. Photo Courtesy (copyright): San Bernardino County Sherrif's Department Hwy 138 is famous for the mountain style road with tight curves, up and down with grade up to 15 %. Every railfan knows this road very well while hanging around Cajon Pass. Photo copyright: The Daily Press, Victorville, CA	close up of Summit w/BNSF tracks. Photo Courtesy (copyright): San Bernardino County Sherrif's Department
all photos are copyright by the original photographer and as mentioned with each picture.	This curvy and hilly road will be history in 2018. Photo copyright: The Daily Press, Victorville, CA

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).

October 29, 2016: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project. Photos by Michael Frei.
There is not much going on regarding the construction in late October. Lots of equipment and huge pipes are on a fenced site.
MIF 10/29/16 - 001	MIF 10/29/16 - 002
MIF 10/29/16 - 003	MIF 10/29/16 - 004
MIF 10/29/16 - 005	MIF 10/29/16 - 006

updated: February 5, 2017

January 30, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project.
Don, Marc & I are doing our best to document the realignment and rebuilding of CA SR (State Route) 138 between I-15 & Cajon Summit. Any who have driven this existing "highway" know of its amazing Roller Coaster / Switch Back (lack of safety) design. The hills between the older & lower alignment and the new highway make it difficult to photograph construction progress.   GGG, MF, DET Pictures #008 - #013 were taken between (A), the HWY 138 Summit & (BR-3)-Bridge #3.
#1 I further edited a CALTRANS / RUS map of the project. (A), (B), (BR) etc identify our approximate Photo locations with (BR-1, -2, or -3) also noting where the three new bridges will be built. - 007
GGG 12/14/16 Looking Compass East, the new Summit route of Hwy 138 can be seen. - 008	GGG 12/14/16 However, the new highway will be much lower - close to BNSF track level. - 009
GGG 1/30/17 #010 Looking NW, track level and the new highway excavation can be seen.  - 010	GGG 1/30/17 #011 Looking W, the existing Hwy 138 and the new route can be seen.  - 011
GGG 1/30/17 - 012  the World's bravest, or most skilled, - - -	- - - or most suicidal dozer operator.  GGG 1/30/17 - 013
GGG 1/30/17 - 014	GGG 1/30/17 - 015
#014 & #015 Looking East from (BR-3), the Eastern abutment and Eastern pier of Bridge 3 are pictured. It is our understanding that after the abutments and piers are completed, the entire area will be filled in and the bridge will be built on solid ground. That technique eliminates much of the expensive false work & concrete pumping. Of course, after bridge completion, the excess dirt will be dug out returning normal drainage to the area.

 updated: March 11, 2017

March 1, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project.
Bruce "Doc" Jones made some accurate pictures on March 1 of the Hwy 138 construction site at Summit incl. 4 photos of train action as seen from the Summit overlook. Please refer position (A) and (BR #3) on the map (007) above.
BHJ 3/01/17 From Post Office Rd & Hwy 138, a view of the Summit Overlook and the beginning changes to Hill above the overlook. - 016	BHJ 3/01/17 Climbing to the Summit Overlook ---- (A) on map - 017
BHJ 3/01/17 Climbing to the Summit Overlook ---- (A) on map - 018	BHJ 3/01/17 From the Summit Overlook, East to Post office RD. The new SR 138 alignment will connect to the present 138, just this side of P. O. Road.  - 019
BHJ 3/01/17 From the Overlook, West showing both old & new SR 138 alignments.  - 020	BHJ 3/01/17 From (BR #3), pier & abutment progress on new Bridge #3. - 021
BHJ 3/01/17 BNSF 5000 EB on MT-1 from Overlook  - 022	BHJ 3/01/17 BNSF 6891 EB on MT-3 Summit Curve - 023
BHJ 3/01/17 BNSF 6851 EB on MT-1 - 024	BHJ 3/01/17 BNSF 6949 WB from MT-3 to MT-2 - 025
March 9, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project.
I've was up at the Summit Overlook yesterday (09 March 17) to get some stills and video before it comes down. I talked to one of the field engineers from one of the contractors on the project and he said indeed both the overlook and the big hill across the highway were coming down. I'm assuming (that can be dangerous) that the overlook and the hill will end up being fill in the ravine west of the overlook. All along the route from the road to Hill 582 up to Summit there is a lot of construction acitvity and grading. It's going to be a lot different up there when they finish.  Bruce "Doc" Jones
BTW, there is a road closure in effect from March 21 to April 4. I'm assuming (dangerous again) that it will begin at the I-15/138 junction. Not sure where it will be on the east end.

updated: March 23, 2017

March 20, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project.
On 20 March, Marc & I decided to photograph the 138 Cajon Summit area while we still had complete access. Naturally, we had to visit Don on Hill 582 and wound up the day with lunch at DA DUMP.   GGG, MF & DET
GGG 3/20/17 Summit Hill, the Summit overlook & BNSF track level at Cajon Summit. It APPEARS that Most of Summit Hill will be removed. We have been told that the new SR 138, at Summit, will be down near BNSF track level.  - 026	GGG 3/20/17 Close up of Summit Hill from Post Office Road. In front is the current location Highway 138.  - 027
GGG 3/20/17 From Summit Overlook (A) on MAP, BNSF 7442 is EB with an empty ethanol. - 028	GGG 3/20/17 From Summit Overlook, looking West at old & new road alignments and drainage installation.  - 029
From (BR #3), the Eastern abutment & three sets of piers for Bridge #3 are shown. Much of the dirt removed from Summit Hill will be used to build up the area to the tops of the abutments so that the bridge can be built on solid ground. This technique will eliminate the tremendous cost of building all of the support structure & 'false work', strong enough to support tons & tons of steel and concrete 30+ feet above the existing grade. Obviously, after bridge construction is complete, the supporting dirt will be removed and the terrain restored to it's present contours.
GGG 3/20/17 - 030	GGG 3/20/17 - 031
GGG 3/20/17 View of Bridge #3 and the road alignment East toward Cajon Summit.  - 032	GGG 3/20/17 View FROM HILL 582, the eastern half of the project is shown starting at Bridge #3. - 033

updated: March 29, 2017

March 22, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project.
With the SR 138 closure, MAD Marc has spent the last few days searching for and finding a new viewpoint to show the project. The work, for the last week, has centered on cutting away the Summit Hill (above the Summit Overlook). Marc's new vantage is across the BNSF triple mains from the SR 138 Summit Overlook. As normal with MAD MARC, the off the road King, getting there is MORE THAN HALF the "FUN". This new place where no man has ever wanted to go is now officially known as MARC'S MADNESS !!! Using eight twin engine "scrapers", three HUGE "dozers", and numerous generator powered flood lights, the excavation has continued for, at least, two shifts per day & six days a week. MF
MF 3/22/17 Overview of Summit Overlook Hill.  - 034	MF 3/22/17 Six of the eight scrapers climb the very steep ramp on the East end of the Hill, scrape a load and ----  - 035
MF 3/22/17 - 036	MF 3/22/17 - 037
Descend the even steeper WEST ramp to deposit their loads to elevate the canyon between the Overlook and Bridge #3--- (A) & (BR#3) on map. Note that 'down ramp' was built over the existing SR 138. When empty, the scrappers climb the shorter ramp up to SR 138, travel East and repeat the process. Of course, SR 138 is still closed for any traffic and should be reopened after April 4.
MF 3/22/17 Empty scrappers climb the shorter ramp up to SR 138, travel East and go up (photo 035) to load dirt. - 038	MF 3/22/17 While a scrapper travels East on SR 138 to grab another load, a precariously placed dozer pushes dirt over the side of the Hill.  - 039
MF 3/22/17 BNSF 6793 is WB under the Overlook & ramps. - 040	MF 3/22/17 BNSF 6793 is WB under heavy equipment - 041
While photographing the realignment of SR 138, we have been treated to numerous rollby's from both the UP & BNSF.   MF / GGG
MF 3/22/17 UP 2594 SB at UP Hiland siding (Cajon Summit) - 052	MF 3/22/17 UP 5465 DPU's SB at UP Hiland siding (same train) - 053
MF 3/22/17 Project Overview of Summit Overlook Hill - 054	MF 3/22/17 BNSF 8026 East approaches Summit - 055
MF 3/22/17 BNSF 7844 West passes the first (of two) UP EB military trains near WSI - 056	MF 3/22/17 BNSF 7829 is EB at Summit curve - 057
#058-065: UP 6577 with CSX is EB with a second military train. The train, probably headed to Yermo / Ft Irwin, carries equipment of the 3rd Infantry Division including M109A6 155mm Self Propelled Howitzers, M992A3 ammunition support vehicles and various other support vehicles. Thanks to US Army Colonel (ret) Chuck Donaldson for his help in ID'ing the military equipment.
MF 3/22/17 UP 6577 EB - 058	MF 3/22/17 - 059
MF 3/22/17 - 060	MF 3/22/17 - 061
MF 3/22/17 - 062	MF 3/22/17 - 063
MF 3/22/17 - 064	MF 3/22/17 - 065

updated: March 29, 2017

March 24, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project.
As reported, the Summit Overlook hill is being lowered / destroyed using eight HUGE scrapers and three equally HUGE dozers. Interesting to us were the steep inclines and seemingly dangerous "perches" these machines and their operators work on. To take the attached pictures, I made SURE that the camera was absolutely LEVEL--- horizontality.   GGG & MF
GGG 3/24/17 - 042	GGG 3/24/17 - 043
# 042-045: The machines climb the East slope of the Summit Overlook Hill.
GGG 3/24/17 - 044	GGG 3/24/17 - 045
GGG 3/24/17 To closely photograph the Western ramps, it is necessary to get to Marc's Madness. Pictured is ONE of the deep and/or soft ground obstacles that must be negotiated. - 046	GGG 3/24/17 From the Western end of the hill, loaded scrappers descending the ramp, on the right, were lowering and dragging their buckets to aid in braking. - 047
GGG 3/24/17 It appeared the scrappers were really laboring to climb the return (to old SR 138) ramp.  - 048	GGG 3/24/17 The dirt was used to raise the new alignment, between the summit curve and the new bridge #3. - 049 click here: 138-029-04-GGG-03-20-17.jpg
MF 3/24/17 - 050	MF 3/24/17 - 051
Piers & West abutment for Bridge #3. Again, this area will be totally filled- in so that the bridge can be built on solid ground.
To finish with the trains we've photographed while documenting the SR138 realignment project, here are the last ten.  MF / GGG
GGG 3/24/17 UP 7667 is SB at UP Cajon Summit (Hiland) - 066	GGG 3/24/17 UP 7273 DPU SB at UP Cajon Summit (same train) - 067
GGG 3/24/17 From above the UP Cajon Summit, UP 7643 is NB to Palmdale - 069	GGG 3/24/17 From above the UP Cajon Summit UP 8684 SD70ACe DPU  NB on same train to Palmdale - 070
GGG 3/24/17 BNSF / UP power mix is WB on the BNSF just RR West of Summit - 068	MF 3/24/17 With the UP Cajon Summit tracks in the foreground, a view of Summit Hill as of 03-24-17 - 075
MF 3/24/17 BNSF 7620 is EB on BNSF MT-3 . . .  - 071	MF 3/24/17 . . .  @ USFS 3N45 near WSI - 072
MF 3/24/17 - 073	MF 3/24/17 - 074

 updated: April 4, 2017

April 2, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project.
Marc sends a few of the Summit Overlook Hill ----- (THEN & NOW)  MF & GGG
MF 3/22/17 Summit Overlook Hill as of 22 March 17 - 076	MF 4/02/17 Summit Overlook Hill as of 02 April 17 - 077
MF 4/02/17 East end of the Hill as of 2 April 17 - 078	MF 4/02/17 West end of the Hill as of 2 April 17 - 079
MF 4/02/17 Two views of the NEAR FINAL grade . . . . - 080	MF 4/02/17 . . . between Summit Curve and Bridge #3 - 081

 Yes, Highway 138 is open for traffic, again!

April 9, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project.
This morning was cloudy & chilly in the Cajon but, it being a Sunday, there were no huge machines working and traffic was very light on SR 138. So, it was a good day to work on some 'THEN & NOW' pictures.  GGG & LMG
GGG 3/20/17 Summit Overlook Hill on 20 March from Post Office Rd  - 082	GGG 4/09/17 Summit Overlook Hill today 04 April from Post Office Rd - 083
LMG 4/09/17 The earth moving fleet at rest from the Summit Overlook  - 084	LMG 4/09/17 The earth moving fleet at rest from the Summit Overlook  - 085
GGG 3/20/17 - 086	GGG 4/09/17 - 087
#086 & #087: As reported before, the VERY low areas between the piers of the three new bridges will be built up so that said bridges may be built on solid ground - thus eliminating the need for very expensive supporting structures. Obviously, the terrain will be returned to its normal contours post construction. Bridge #3 piers on 20 March and almost buried today.

updated: April 29, 2017

April 26, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project - Summit
For the last week, SoCal weather has been dismal with low clouds, 50 MPH winds, dust storms and the beginnings of fire season. On 26 April, our friend Keith Schreiber visited SR 138 / Cajon Summit to photograph progress of the realignment. Keith sends the following.    KAS & GGG
KAS 4/26/17 From BNSF Summit looking up at the SR 138 Summit Overlook - 088	KAS 4/26/17 From BNSF Summit looking up at the SR 138 Summit Overlook - 089
KAS 4/26/17 What's left of Summit Overlook Hill from WEST SR 138  - 090	KAS 4/26/17 View of Summit Overlook Hill from SR 138 Overlook with equipment - 091
KAS 4/26/17 Another view of Summit Overlook Hill from SR 138 Overlook - 092	KAS 4/26/17 Looking West from W. Summit Overlook -- toward new Bridge #3  - 093
On 27 April, Laura, Marc & I drove down to Ontario via I-15. On our return (uphill) trip, with MAD MARC driving 75 MPH into a 50 MPH dust storm headwind, I was able to grab these shots looking toward SR-138 Summit some 2.5 miles East. GGG
GGG 4/27/17 Above BNSF Silverwood and the Summit Curve is the existing SR 138 Summit Overlook (vehicle parked) and a view of the "excavation" of Summit Hill - 094	GGG 4/27/17 If you trace, left to right, across the bottom third of the picture, UP NB to Palmdale, the Silverwood Connector, BNSF #1 & #2, WSI, BNSF MT #3 - 095

updated: May 3, 2017

May 1, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project - Summit and USFS 3N45
Was up on the summit yesterday and I must say that they are really making progress. In some areas the dirt removal is below the 138. Won't be long and that road will be no more as we know it. I also took some pictures of our train watching spot that so many of us have enjoyed over the years. Great location.   KAS
KAS 5/01/17 From Cajon (Hwy 138) Summit / Summit overlook --- looking WB - 096	KAS 5/01/17 From Cajon (Hwy 138) Summit / Summit overlook --- looking WB w/BNSF Summit Curve - 097
KAS 5/01/17 Cajon Summit Hill excavation from SR 138 - 098	KAS 5/01/17 Cajon Summit Hill excavation from SR 138 - 099
KAS 5/01/17 Cajon Summit Hill excavation from SR 138 - 100	KAS 5/01/17 Looking NE with P.O. Rd heading up (on the left) to BNSF Cajon Summit --- & SR 138 (between the far machines) heading toward Hesperia and the Mountain Lakes. If our contractor sources are correct, Keith's photographic location will be reduced to the same level of SR 138 in the distance.  - 101
#102 & #103: US Forest Service 3N45 is the old road going uphill from the existing SR 138 NORTH past the new SR 138, WSI, under BNSF 3,2 & 1 and over the UP Palmdale Cutoff --- eventually ending at the OLD (and fire destroyed) Summit Inn at I-15 SUMMIT. Keith's pictures were taken from the soon to be abandoned section of 3N45 between the old and new USFS 3N45's ---- looking North (UPHILL) across the new SR 138. This intersection must be redesigned since the new SR 138 will be a 55 MPH Highway.  KAS / GGG
KAS 5/02/17 - 102	KAS 5/02/17 - 103

updated: May 20, 2017

May 10, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project - as seen from Hill 582
Here are a few of the Hwy 138 project from Hill 582 when Spike and I (Bruce "Doc" Jones) were there on May 10. It shows a different more general perspective of where the road is going to go. Note the bridge construction and the path of the old Hwy 138 up the hill toward the Summit Overlook. It seems to me the Summit Overlook might survive so long as some of the old road survives. Any thoughts on that?   Doc Jones
BHJ 5/10/17 Looking toward Summit - 110	BHJ 5/10/17 In the foreground is BNSF MT-3 - 111
BHJ 5/10/17 closer view - 112	BHJ 5/10/17 Bridge construction is visible - 113

 updated: May 20, 2017

May 19, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project - Summit
Keith Schreiber visited the SR 138 Cajon Summit area yesterday and sends the following  -  THANKS KEITH   -   KAS & GGG #104-105: Looking across SR 138, from the Cajon Summit Observation area, the double terracing of the Summit Hill can be seen. The crews are installing a green mesh, probably infused with the seeds of native desert plants, to battle the inevitable future erosion.
KAS 5/19/17 - 104	KAS 5/19/17 closer view from K-Rails - 105
#106-108: With the existing SR 138 on the upper right, it APPEARS ??? the new SR 138 alignment will be BETWEEN the old SR 138 Road /Summit Observation area and Summit Hill.
KAS 5/19/17 - 106	KAS 5/19/17 - 107
KAS 5/19/17 - 108	KAS 5/19/17 Detailed view of Summit Hill - 109

updated: May 30, 2017

May 28, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project
Last SUNDAY (5/28/17), Marc & I decided to do a an in-depth trip to document progress on the SR-138 realignment project. With MAD MARC driving, I never know where I will wind up --- but it's always a fun adventure!!! Being a Sunday and a NON-work day, we were somewhat confident about not being flattened by some HUGE earth mover. Also, as previously mentioned, the areas between the very tall bridge abutments and piers have been filled-in so that the bridge 'false work' and later concrete pouring may be accomplished on solid ground --- with the normal terrain to be restored later.  GGG & MF
#114 & #115 Using the UPRR / USFS road from Oak Hills to Summit, we caught BNSF 5390 WB heading down the hill.
GGG 5/28/17 BNSF 5390 WB on MT-3 at Summit - 114	GGG 5/28/17 same BNSF intermodal leaving Summit - 115
GGG 5/28/17 From Post Office Rd, the Summit Hill is pictured. The brown material on terrace #2 is burlap placed to protect the green HYDROSEED sprayed to prevent erosion. - 116	GGG 5/28/17 From the Eastern base of Summit Hill, the Hill & SR-138 (to the right) can be seen.  - 117
GGG 5/28/17 From the Summit Overlook area looking West, the new alignment & the BNSF Summit Curve.  - 118	GGG 5/28/17 BNSF 5998 EB passes Hill 582 (left)- 119
GGG 5/28/17 BNSF 5998 EB climbs to Summit Curve - 120	GGG 5/28/17 BNSF 5998 EB rounds Summit Curve into Summit - 121
#122 & #123 Bridge #2 looking West. We have been asked why we take no pictures of bridges #1 or #2. After an "INTERESTING" MAD MARC DEMOLITION DERBY DRIVE (on what's left of Pipeline Road), we could finally see the Bridge #2 area. Obviously, we normally can't use the one construction access road from SR-138 nor the new alignment thus making photography of Bridges #1 & #2 near impossible.
GGG 5/28/17 Bridge #2 - 122	GGG 5/28/17 Bridge #2 (to be built) - 123
GGG 5/28/17 Bridge #3, looking East, from the new SR-138 alignment.  124	GGG 5/28/17 Bridge #3, looking East, from the new SR-138 alignment.  125
GGG 5/28/17 From INSIDE the Summit Curve BNSF 6619 is WB. - 126	GGG 5/28/17 UP 4783 East climbs toward the Summit Curve. - 127

updated: July 1, 2017

June 27-29, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project
As most know, Bob Widholm (San Diego) often drives his motor home up here - to spend a long weekend on West Summit Island. Paul Westover (CA City - North of Edwards AFB) visited Bob and, while in the area, took the following images of the SR-138 realignment.  PW / GGG
From the West end of the summit Outlook: #128: From Right to Left---The new TEMPORARY SR 138, "K rails", the OLD 138 and the OLD Summit Observation area. We UNDERSTAND the area left of the "K rails" will be lowered to near track level and will hold the FINAL SR-138 alignment ????
PW 6/27/17 new temporary SR 138 above Summit - 128	PW 6/27/17 BNSF 5473 EB enters the Summit curve - 129
From 3N45 / BR- #3
PW 6/27/17 an image of WSI with Bob's Motorhome - 130	PW 6/27/17 Bridge # 3 under construction - 131
PW 6/27/17 Bridge # 3 under construction - 132	PW 6/27/17 I'm told that Paul "let Bob outta his cage for this picture" - 133
From the second day of their visit to WSI, Bob & Paul send the following: #134: BNSF 3816 leads a very late AMT #3 West, past West Summit Island. #135: After joining DET on Hill 582, the trio found Robby the Rattler #XX. Realizing the these VARMINTS are protected by the State of California, they PROPERLY cared for & removed the creature from the Hill.   PW / GGG
PW 6/28/17 Delayed AMT #3 WB past WSI - 134	PW 6/28/17 Robby the Rattler on Hill 582 - 135
Second Addition to HIGHWAY 138 REALIGNMENT above - Images by Paul Westover 06-29-17
PW 6/29/17 A new culvert is placed near Bridge #3 - 136	PW 6/29/17 BNSF 8035 WB @ WSI on MT-2 - 139
PW 6/29/17 UP 1996 is WB @ WSI - 137	PW 6/29/17 AmTrak #3 WB @ WSI on MT-3 - 138
PW 6/29/17 BNSF 8175 EB and above UP NB on UPT - 140	PW 6/29/17 BNSF LIGHT POWER move WB MT-3 @ WSI - 141
PW 6/29/17 Bridge #3 as of 06-29-17 - 142	PW 6/29/17 UP HI-RAIL on Silverwood Connector - 143
PW 6/29/17 JAZZ (the WONDER DOG) saving the Mojave environment - 144	PW 6/29/17 Late afternoon UP 9027 EB on MT-1 @ WSI - 145

updated: July 18, 2017

July 16, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project - Summit
Yesterday (07-16-17) was HOT, HUMID (for here), and SMOKEY (from all of the CA fires). However Marc & I braved??? the Cajon weather to collect the attached. # 146: The contractor has built an SHOO FLY to allow realignment of SR-138 to continue. Between the OLD & NEW 138 alignments, a trench is being dug which will hold the SR-138 final alignment. The asphalt has been removed from the old 138. It is unknown, to us, exactly what the fate of the old Summit overlook will be. # 147: From the East end of Summit Hill, the new temporary & old SR-138 alignments are visible.
GGG 7/16/17 - 146	GGG 7/16/17 - 147
GGG 7/16/17 03 Driving WB on the Shoo FLY - 148	GGG 7/16/17 From the East end of Summit Hill, looking West toward Bridge #3---with Hill 582 visible in the background. - 149
GGG 7/16/17 Looking West at the East end of BR - #3. A few degrees of "superelevation" (tilt) was built into the bridge - which will lead into a road turn just behind the camera. - 150	GGG 7/16/17 The West end of BR - #3 with the aforementioned road curve visible. - 151
GGG 7/16/17 Marc took this image showing how much higher Bridge #3 is, above the old SR-138 alignment. - 152	GGG 7/16/17 Looking West at Bridge #2 - 153
FROM HILL 582 DET & his helpers are doing a SUPER job of tending Hill 582 during our severe long-term heat wave---The Hill NEVER LOOKED BETTER
GGG 7/16/17 A view of BR - #3 showing the bridge's "superelevation" & the road curve - 154	GGG 7/16/17 From BR - #3 to Summit - 155

updated: August 10, 2017

early August, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project by Ruedi Schai, Switzerland
RUS Summit Hill was cut down and got a temp. road - 3081	RUS in 2018 this will be new Hwy 138 - 3085
RUS left = new Hwy next to BNSF tracks - 3086	RUS the West end of BR - #3  - 3087
RUS - 3255	RUS - 3256
RUS - 3258	RUS - 3260
RUS - 3261	RUS The West end of BR - #3  - 3263
RUS BNSF WB leaving Summit - 3266	RUS same BNSF WB on Summit Curve toward WSI - 3267
RUS - 3265	RUS temp. Summit detour road of Hwy 138 - 3269
RUS at left is BNSF Summit cut - 3359	RUS - 3365

updated: August 20, 2017

August 18, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project
Marc & I visited DET on Hill 582 yesterday (Friday). We also checked out the SR 138 realignment project, but found little progress to report. # 156: Nothing much has changed on Summit Hill, except for the installation of even more "wattles" to control erosion. The Summit observation point is untouched --- so far.  GGG & MF
GGG 8/18/17 Summit Hill - 156	GGG 8/18/17 More forms being placed for Bridge #3 - 157
GGG 8/18/17 More forms being placed for Bridge #3 - 158	GGG 8/18/17 Just West of Bridge #3, a 12 foot culvert was built 'on-site', to carry creek water under the new SR-138.  - 159

updated: September 21, 2017

September 13, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project
A while back, Bob Widholm (San Diego) camped on West Summit Island for several days. He was joined by Paul Westover (California City) and Lois M. (Hemet) ----- together, they explored the SR 138 Realignment Project. Current contractor efforts appear to be centered on finishing the three bridges. # 160: Something seldom seen on Cajon --- a “dirty (contaminated) dirt” train headed East --- Taken from near WSI with the Silverwood Connector on the left & BNSF MT #3 on the right.  Paul Westover Photography  -  GGG
PW 9/11/17 Dirt Train pass WSI - 160	PW 9/13/17 Bridge #2 - 161
PW 9/13/17 Bridge #3 - 162	PW 9/13/17 Bridge #3 - 163

updated: October 3, 2017

September 30, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project
No huge news to report on the project. However, the concrete deck for Bridge #3 is more than 50% poured and is covered with plastic to slow the curing reaction. # 168: Summit Hill: We hope the area in the middle of this image (where the dirt has been disturbed) will be the new highway alignment and that the old Observation Point will remain untouched. And a few trains in poor light.  GGG
GGG 9/30/17 Bridge #3 from Hill 582 ---  - 164	GGG 9/30/17 Bridge #3 --- looking East toward Cajon Summit. - 165
GGG 9/30/17 Bridge #3 from Hill 582 - 166	GGG 9/30/17 Bridge #3 from the 3N45 Junction - 167
GGG 9/30/17 Summit Hill - 168	GGG 9/30/17 BNSF 4661 is WB at Hill 582 - 169
GGG 9/30/17 BNSF DPU is WB at Hill 582 - 170	GGG 9/30/17 UP 8080 is WB on MT #3 below Hill 582 - 171
GGG 9/30/17 Just behind the power is the newest ArroWedge - 172	GGG 9/30/17 this is the newest design of ArroWedge - 173
Newest design of ArroWedge:  https://www.uprr.com/newsinfo/releases/environment/2013/0903_arrowedge.shtml

 updated: October 26, 2017

October 18, 2017: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project
Doc Jones sends the following of the SR-138 realignment.  BHJ
BHJ 10/18/17 The near completed BR #3 from Hill 582 - 174	BHJ 10/18/17 BR #3 from Hill 582 (w/MT-3 in the foreground) - 175
BHJ 10/18/17 The SR 138 Summit Bypass from BNSF Track Level - 176	BHJ 10/18/17 left Bypass, right old 138 w/overlook - 177
BHJ 10/18/17 The SR 138 Summit Bypass from Post Office Rd - 178	BHJ 10/18/17 The SR 138 Summit Bypass from Post Office Rd - 179

 updated: January 26, 2018

January 26, 2018: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project
Excellent footage of the construction of a concrete bridge by Caltrans. Be sure to follow us for more real time updates: Caltrans District 8:  www.caltrans8.info
Video by Caltrans District 8 (1'16"):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5s6v3RTL8U
These photos are corresponding to the video about bridge # 1 construction applying concrete.
concrete pouring process - 180	concrete pouring process - 181
concrete pouring process closeup - 182	part of new Hwy 138 - 183
bridge # 1 is almost finished w/concrete pouring - 184	great view from above taken with a drone - 185
6 photos above copyright: California, DOT (Department of Transportation), Caltrans District 8

 updated: March 3, 2018

March 3, 2018: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project / 10 - DAY FULL CLOSURE

SR-138 will be closed between Interstate 15 and Summit Valley Road on Wednesday, March 7th at 6:00 a.m. until Saturday, March 17th at 6:00 a.m. The closure is necessary to complete pavement realignment work.

See details - click here

updated: March 7, 2018

March 4, 2018: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project
Last Sunday (03-04-18) Marc & I were able to access Cajon areas normally unavailable. On 27 Feb, Cajon experienced a rain/snow storm which caused moderate erosion, especially to the Summit Hill --- visible in some of the following pictures.   GGG & MF
GGG 3/04/18 BR #1 Looking West to where the new alignment will connect to the existing SR 138-near I-15 - 186	GGG 3/04/18 Looking West at BRIDGE (BR) #2 (close-up) - 187
GGG 3/04/18 Looking West at BRIDGE (BR) #2 - 188
GGG 3/04/18 Parker Ranch Rd (the normal access to Hill 582) with Hill 582 in the distance. There have been questions as to a gate being erected at this spot, however since the USFS has elected to number the road 3N48, we HOPE that the road will remain open to the public. left - 189                                                                                                         right - 190
GGG 3/04/18 BR #2 from above - 191	GGG 3/04/18 BR #3 looking East toward Summit - 192
GGG 3/04/18 BR #3 looking West - 193	GGG 3/04/18 Looking at Summit from BR #3 - 194
GGG 3/04/18 Summit from BNSF MT #3 - 195	MF 2/27/18 Cajon Summit Hill just after the 02-27-18 storm - 196
GGG 3/04/18 Cajon Summit Hill erosion as of today. Just right of the auto, the contractor has begun cutting what we think will be the new SR-138 summit alignment. - 197	GGG 3/04/18 The new cut mentioned in photo #197 - 198
GGG 3/04/18 Cajon Summit overlook w/BNSF Summit - 199	GGG 3/04/18 Cajon Summit overlook -- as it stands now - 200

updated: March 18, 2018

March 14, 2018: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project
The 10 day closure of SR-138 between I-15 and Post Office Rd (just East of Cajon Summit) is due to end on 03-17-18. It is our understanding that the closure was called to allow the contractor to cut the new SR-138 Summit alignment down to final grade. On 03-14-18, Marc got as close as possible and sends the following images:   MF & GGG
MF 3/14/18 BNSF 5075 is EB @ Cajon Summit - 201	MF 3/14/18 Views of the SR-138 realignment progress - 202
MF 3/14/18 View of the SR-138 realignment progress - 203	MF 3/14/18 See explanation below - 204
Photo # 204 Labeled view of the project --- Evidently the Rd from SR-138 up to the BNSF Summit crossing is no longer called POST OFFICE Rd or THE SUMMIT TRUCK TRAIL. Also, it APPEARS that the Summit Overlook area has been preserved (at least for now).
MF 3/14/18 From across the tracks - looking East at the Summit Overlook area. - 205	MF 3/14/18 UNION PACIFIC-1 and COYOTE-0 (between tracks)  - 206

March 16, 2018: SR-138 realignment project closure extended until March 23rd

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (VVNG.com) — The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) announced Friday, the full closure of SR-138 has been extended due to recent rainstorms. SR-138 will remain closed between Interstate 15 and Summit Valley Road until Friday, March 23rd at 6:00 p.m., Caltrans officials announced.

Aerial photo taken March 2018 showing the current progress of the SR-138 realignment project. (copyright Victor Valley News and original photographer)  -  207

 updated: March 25, 2018

March 24, 2018: New SR-138 is open for traffic

Don Toles made a run up to the Hill this morning - new SR-138 was open and in use but he took Baldy Mesa Rd and the BNSF ROW road along tracks 1 & 2 to reach the Hill. A few muddy spots along the way, but only minor storm damage. All was well on the Hill - ground is damp, but the rainfall must have been light at best. Cold 46 F. and windy. On the way out he drove to Summit along the SP/UP track and then took the new highway back down to the Jct. Then he drove back up 138 and took Parker Ranch Rd. from off the new 138 - wide open, no gate or Road Closed sign. Hope they'll keep it that way!   DET

Please note: Even most of the realignment road is in service, there is a section at Summit (red/yellow) not finished, yet! You, may notice on the video below - as we can see the old part still in use just below Summit.

  updated: April 3, 2018

March 31, 2018: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project
Friend Keith S. visited Cajon Summit on March 31st and sends the attached. The new SR-138 is now open between I-15 and West Summit but traffic is stlll diverted onto the Cajon road sho-fly to cross over the Summit ---while the contractor lowers the new Summit Road portion to final grade.   KAS  -  GGG
KAS 3/31/18 It appears that the new SR-138 will be in a canyon. The BNSF tracks are over and well below the Hill on the right. The OLD Summit Observation Point was high on the right. - 208	KAS 3/31/18 Looking East from West Summit, what's left of the Summit Observation area is labeled. - 209
KAS 3/31/18 Summit looking West - 210	KAS 3/31/18 at left is new Summit SR-138 - 211
Keith climbed up to the OLD SUMMIT OBSERVATION Point to photograph the construction --- looking West. Note the new EYEBROW ditch and fence protecting BNSF track #3.   --   Thanks Keith  -  GGG

  updated: April 17, 2018

April 15, 2018: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project
On April 15, Marc & I drove into Cajon to check the progress of the SR-138 realignment. As most know, the new alignment is open between I-15 and the WEST END of the unfinished SUMMIT portion of SR-138. So, the temporary Shoo-fly crossing the Summit is still in use while the contractor finishes the highway. One of the most frequently asked questions concerned the future of the Cajon Summit Observation Point, which ONCE overlooked the BNSF Summit Curve and gave a decent view of much of the Pass. Well, the project has eliminated most of the West end of the overlook --- which was directly above the Summit Curve. The little left there is much lower than the old Overlook and, according to how the safety railings are installed, may be access restricted. So, we've added a couple of images from Keith S. to provide a better view of the area.   GGG, MF, KAS
GGG 4/15/18 From the Eastern base of Summit hill looking West. While whats left of the Summit overlook looks promising to photographers, where they place the safety railings will dictate our access. Also, the remaining overlook hill will be very narrow. - 212	MF 4/15/18 Looking East at the OLD OVERLOOK.  - 213
KAS 4/15/18 Two from Keith who hiked to the small summit of the overlook (looking East) - 214	KAS 4/15/18 Two from Keith who hiked to the small summit of the overlook (looking West) - 215
MF 4/15/18 From the SHOO-FLY traveling West, the Summit Overlook 'Hill' is pictured - 216	MF 4/15/18 From the SHOO-FLY traveling West, the Summit Overlook 'Hill' is pictured - 217
MF 4/15/18 From the SHOO-FLY traveling West, the Summit Overlook 'Hill' is pictured (overview w/Summit Curve) - 218	MF 4/15/18 Bridge #3 - 219
Photos # 219 and 220: Bridge #3 is pictured. As mentioned, the Canyons were filled in so that the three bridges could be built on solid ground --- thus eliminating the need for expensive scaffolding. That fill dirt is now being removed and the land is being restored to its natural contours. The excess dirt is dumped on the old SR-138 alignment, which will remain to provide access many HIGH-TENSION electrical transmission towers in the area.
MF 4/15/18 Bridge #3 (dirt removal) - 220	GGG 4/15/18 As of April 15, access to Hill 582 via Parker Ranch Rd, remains open.  - 221
GGG 4/15/18 Summit Hill from BNSF track level - 222	GGG 4/15/18 Close up w/signal bridge - 223
Photos #  222 and 223: From the BNSF Summit tracks --- two views of the Summit Overlook Hill. The actual portion of the overlook that looked down on the BNSF Summit Curve, appears UNDER & West of the BNSF cantilever signal. The area, although now much lower, appears to be wide enough for parking --- if the safety railings allow access.   GGG

updated: May 1, 2018

April 29, 2018: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project
On April 29, Sunday, Marc & I drove to the SR-138 realignment project. The unfinished Summit portion of SR-138 is being paved and the support dirt, under the bridges, is being removed.  GGG & MF
GGG 4/29/18 A labeled picture taken from BNSF MT #3 at the Summit curve. The OLD SR-138 highway and the OLD Summit observation point were almost directly above the NEW observation points and at about the same elevation as the Shoo-fly. So, we estimate that the new "View" point is 50+ feet lower than before. - 224	GGG 4/29/18 The new and very narrow Observation point from the new alignment. It is evident that this small area will need safety railings to keep CA drivers from becoming part BNSF MT-#3 --- and that those railings will probably limit access (especially parking) to the area. - 225
BHJ 3/01/17 14 Months ago, Doc Jones submitted this picture taken from the OLD and HIGH Observation Point. - 226	GGG 4/29/18 Taken April 29, 2018 from close to the same horizontal angle ---- a somewhat dramatic change - 227
GGG 4/29/18 BNSF 6690 is WB on MT #2 @ Summit curve - 228	GGG 4/29/18 Bridge #3 with the construction support dirt mostly removed - 229
GGG 4/29/18 The dirt removed from under BR #3 is being used to build-up the OLD SR-138 area ---- to the contours existing before the OLD & ORIGINAL SR-138 was built. - 230	GGG 4/29/18 From Hill 582 - BR #3 up to Summit. - 231
GGG 4/29/18 From the East end at Summit, the new asphalt. - 232	GGG 4/29/18 We used the USFS/UP road to return to Oak Hills. Found UP 7739 South waiting at the UP HiLand siding. - 233

updated: June 12, 2018

May 31, 2018: Highway 138 (East) Realignment Project - Final report
The project to realign SR-138 is essentially complete and the road is fully open to traffic.    The following pictures were all taken near where the old original Summit overlook existed--BUT NOW 40+ feet lower. The hill on the left of #234, although not quite as tall as the old summit overlook, gives some idea of the former height of the old SR-138 & observation point. BTW, there was a railfan with camera, on top of that same hill --- quite a climb and looks a bit dangerous.    Anyone visiting the area should remember that the new speed limit is 55 MPH ---- which means 75 MPH to most Kalifornians. Entry & exit from this viewing area should be accomplished with GREAT CARE.  This will probably be the last SR-138 update UNLESS something really interesting happens --- BEEN FUN.  GGG
GGG 5/31/18 East view from Summit Overlook - 234	GGG 5/31/18 West view from Summit Overlook - 235
#234 & #235: At the West end of Summit Hill, between the hill pictured in #234 and the guard rail pictured in #235, there is an opening and a small area which will accommodate a few cars and allow a view of the BNSF Summit curve --- unless more guard rails are installed.
GGG 5/31/18 it shows the new & lower Summit curve view. - 236	GGG 5/31/18 BNSF 8326 EB on MT-3 - 237

updated: August 19, 2018

One last look at the SR 138. Dirt removed from under the new bridges was used to rebuild the old 138 roadway up to, what were once-long ago, the normal terrain contours. Picture taken from Hill 582 on 8/17/18 by GGG - 8068

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(over all copyright by Werner Meer, Switzerland)