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TRAINMASTER
BY WERNER MEER US-RAILROAD-SHOP KILCHBERG |
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47 Years Trainmaster - the source for American Model Railroading (1977 - 2024) |
added: January
18, 2023 / updated: January 31, 2024 (BIG-029)
updated: September 24, 2024 (BIG 092-101) -
just scroll down
our photographers: MF = Marc Fournier, GGG = Gary Gray, JL = Jorge
(some photos are available in bigger size. You may click on the photo number)
updated: January
9, 2023
A) BNSF "BIG" Barstow International Gateway Facility Project |
Two new & large projects
have been announced in the Barstow area. Both will
affect the BNSF Cajon Subdivision.
GGG & MF |
BIG-001 -
Preliminary conceptual rendering of Barstow International Gateway. BNSF
illustration. A huge new BNSF classification yard will be built RR West of the current yard. The new yard's direct & indirect employment will NEARLY double the population of Barstow, according to the BNSF. Of course, truck & auto traffic will also double. |
BIG-002 -
BNSF illustration Barstow, Calif., a major hub on the BNSF Southern Transcon in San Bernardino County where the Needles, Mojave and Cajon subdivisions come together, and the location of Barstow Yard, will be the site of Barstow International Gateway, a $1.5 billion investment described as a “state-of-the-art master-planned integrated rail facility, and the first being developed by a Class I railroad.” Barstow International Gateway (BIG) will indeed be big - huge, actually - 4,500 acres, roughly 7.5 times the size of 600-acre Barstow Yard. Located on the west side of Barstow along the Cajon Subdivision, it will consist of a rail yard, intermodal facility and warehouses for transloading freight from international containers to domestic containers. |
BIG-003 -
OpenRailwayMap.org -
BNSF provided Railway Age with these details BIG “will allow the direct transfer of containers from ships at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to intermodal trains for transport through the Alameda Corridor onto the BNSF main line up to Barstow,” BNSF noted. “Once the containers reach BIG, they will be processed at the facility using clean-energy-powered cargo-handling equipment, and then staged and built into trains moving east via BNSF’s network across the nation. Westbound freight will similarly be processed at the facility to bring trains more efficiently to the ports and other California terminals.” The Barstow International Gateway, BNSF added, “will create 20,000 direct and indirect jobs, and reduce port and highway congestion around the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.” It “will not replace or become an extension of our existing Barstow Yard,” BNSF spokesperson Lena Kent told Railway Age. “BNSF is developing this facility as a private investment. It is not a P3.” The construction schedule and opening date have not been determined. |
BIG-004 - BNSF California Map - BNSF Illustration |
updated: January 9, 2023 (August 26, 2024) - scroll down
B) Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF will be replaced |
We will concentrate on the new bridge project and try to document from time to time. GGG and MF |
BIG-005 -
Victorville Daily Press Any of you who have visited Barstow will remember the old, very narrow, failing & dangerous First Ave road bridge which serves the Amtrak Station, the Harvey House, the Route 66 museum and other businesses & residential areas. This bridge crosses 15 tracks of the existing yard, including the BNSF Trans-con. Building a new bridge and demolishing the old structure, without interrupting train traffic, should be an interesting new photographic project for us. |
BIG-006 -
Victorville Daily Press Google Map with BNSF "old Yard" and 1st Ave. Bridge |
BIG-007 -
Victorville Daily Press Artist Impression of new First Ave Bridge |
updated: January 18, 2023
Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement |
Skanska contracted to Rebuild North 1st Avenue Bridge in Barstow. Skanska, BTW, is building the new bridge over the BNSF TRANSCON here in Victorville -- the bridge we've been documenting: click here |
1/18/23: BARSTOW, CA –– Today, Skanska announced their $30 million contract with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority to break ground on the new North 1st Avenue Bridge over the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railyard in the City of Barstow, CA. |
The existing two-lane bridge, built around 1930, will be replaced with a new two-lane bridge, including standard eight-foot shoulder widths and an eight-foot sidewalk. The replacement of the structure will provide safety benefits and accommodate all legal truck and permit vehicles. This bridge serves as the main connector for schools, neighborhoods, hospitals, and other services in the City of Barstow, and these necessary safety improvements will continue to make positive changes to the city’s infrastructure. |
Mike Aparicio, executive vice president of Skanska USA Civil’s West Coast operations said, “We look forward to working with the San Bernardino County Transportation Authority, and its many other transportation partners, to replace Barstow’s North 1st Avenue Bridge. The current structure was built over 90 years ago, and this project will provide a modern, safe, and accessible structure. We are proud to be the team chosen in this first big step toward building a new structural and functional standard needed as the city continues to grow.” |
Work includes: - Construction of new 7-span post-tensioned concrete box girder bridge over 17 BNSF tracks. - Realignment of North 1st Avenue. - Demolition of the existing 29-span steel truss and steel / timber girder bridge across the BNSF railyard. - Utility relocation, drainage improvements and lighting improvements. |
The project is expected to begin in January 2023, and completion is anticipated in 2024. |
updated: May 14, 2023
new 5/11/23: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 5 | |
BIG is still in the planning & permitting processes however replacement of the Barstow 1st Street Bridge is well underway. So friends Marc, Jorge & I embarked on a 40 mile trek to check the progress of the construction. The importance of this construction lies in the fact that both bridges, new & old, do & will cross several yard tracks, and most importantly, the BNSF Trans-Con mainline. It has been stated that any mainline closure, due to this construction, could cost the City of Barstow several thousand dollars per closure hour - in fines. | |
# BIG-008 & # 009: The BEAUTIFUL CASA DEL
DISIERTO & its Historic Landmark Plaque. No longer a Harvey House, the
structure now houses The Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce, The Western
America Railroad Museum, The Route 66 'Mother Road' Museum, and The NASA
Goldstone Deep SPACE Visitors Center. AMTRAK #3 & #4 stop at this Depot
daily.
The historical Harvey House has also become a venue for weddings, banquets
and other formal gatherings. Note that the plaque was donated and placed by several Museums, Government Agencies and E CLAMPUS VITUS. For a GOOD GIGGLE, Google E Clampus Vitus. While they do some really good Historical preservation work, their methods and antics can best be described as 'interesting'. |
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The Clampers: A historical drinking society or a drinking historical society? - Los Angeles Times | |
BIG-008 - (see above) | BIG-009 - (see above) |
BIG-010 - A wide shot of the existing
FIRST STREET IRON Bridge. The new bridge will be built on the other (West) side. |
BIG-011 - Three views of the numerous WOODEN repairs & reinforcements, applied to keep the old iron bridge somewhat stable. |
BIG-012 - Three views of the numerous WOODEN repairs & reinforcements, applied to keep the old iron bridge somewhat stable. | BIG-013 - Three views of the numerous WOODEN repairs & reinforcements, applied to keep the old iron bridge somewhat stable. |
BIG-014 - The Northern abutment of the new bridge and other construction equipment. | BIG-015 - The Northern abutment of the new bridge and other construction equipment. |
It should be noted that Skanska International, who built the bridge across the BNSF in Victorville (our last photographic project) also won this Barstow contract. So, much of the construction equipment and many of the building techniques will be familiar to our readers. | |
BIG-016 - The Northern abutment of the new bridge and other construction equipment. | BIG-017 - In our Barstow ninety minutes, these two SD-40-2 switchers were the only moving pieces of RR equipment we saw. |
BIG-018 - The street word is that, back in the steam days, these OLD houses were built for away from home - laying over Railroaders??? It appears that these homes are being rebuilt and will become DREAM HOMES for some REAL RAILFANS??? | BIG-019 - As most know, I've spent most of my adult years working in and Commanding Military Dental Clinics & Hospitals. STILL, every time I think I've see it all --- some situation, like the below, erupts to correct my thinking. |
I
was sitting, alone, over on the track side of the Barstow Harvey House while
Marc & Jorge were exploring the building. So I start hearing this loud, but
unintelligible argument --- and this Brain Fried zombie shows-up, violently
arguing with those voices in his head. We spot each other & thankfully, he
turns & disappears. If ever there was a POSTER CHILD for ANTI-homelessness /
mental illness / drug abuse, this poor creature was it. As we drove off,
there he was - soiled pants & all - with his meager belongings strewn about
on his little island. He DID have a nice looking & (probably) freshly stolen
shopping cart but was not really enthusiastic about having his picture taken. Gary, Marc & Jorge |
updated: October 9, 2023
new 10/07/23: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 7 |
Jorge Lopez & I
made plans, last week, to drive
to Barstow to see how the new N.
Main Street bridge construction
was progressing. We also
wanted to see if there had been
any movement on the NEW Railroad
YARD---The Barstow International
Gateway (BIG). On the eve of
our trip,
while scanning our local VICTOR
VALLEY DAILY PRESS
newspaper, I
noticed an article with all the
updates & pictures we wanted.
Actually, the Daily Press
photographer did very well by
gaining access to positions
unavailable to us & POSSIBLY?
using a drone.
We found
no evidence of construction
beginning at the new yard site.
Again,
the existing Barstow N. Main St.
bridge, which eventually must be
removed & its replacement both
cross several yard tracks and,
most importantly, the BNSF
TRANSCONTINENTAL MAINLINE -
which cannot be interrupted.
GGG & JL
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VICTOR VALLEY DAILY
PRESS Construction continues on North First Avenue Bridge in Barstow |
Article copyright by Victor Valley Daily Press |
Construction crews on the North First Avenue Bridge in Barstow recently completed the bottom surface structure of the new bridge, San Bernardino County Transportation Authority officials said. In September, nearly a dozen Robertson’s cement trunks were lined up near the bridge as mobile boom concrete pumps received the concrete and delivered it via hoses to crews high atop the bridge. The concrete was then poured throughout the installed rebar. The county’s transportation authority, in cooperation with the City of Barstow and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, is leading the construction effort to build the new bridge. In October, crews will continue to install steel beams and pour concrete for the new bridge. They will also continue constructing retaining walls and drainage systems throughout the project corridor, transportation authority officials said. The new bridge will be approximately 1,179 feet long with a width of 50 feet that will expand to over 62 feet to accommodate a left turn lane leading to the new bridge.
To accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists, a wider sidewalk with 8-foot shoulders will also be built. Bridge construction is expected to cost roughly $85 million and is expected to be completed by fall 2024, transportation authority officials stated. Funding will come from both federal and local sources, said county and city officials, who held a groundbreaking ceremony in January. |
Preparing for the future |
The new bridge will replace the existing two-lane steel and wood North First Avenue Bridge, which was built around 1930 and modified in 1943. The old bridge serves as a critical access point to Barstow's northern region as it runs directly above a massive BNSF Railway intermodal yard. The construction of the new bridge may benefit those traveling to and from BNSF’s $1.5 billion master-planned rail hub known as the Barstow International Gateway.
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Structurally deficient |
During the Bridge Inspection Report prepared by Caltrans in April 2012, the bridge sufficiency rating was three out of 100. The existing bridge is considered structurally deficient in its superstructure, substructure, and overall structural evaluation. The old bridge is also considered functionally obsolete due to its overall geometry and substandard vertical clearance, Caltrans said.
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The project |
The bridge project includes the construction of new approach roadways, a new two-lane structure, and the demolition of the old structure once the new facility has been opened to traffic. A group of residents have shared their desire to convert the old bridge to a pedestrian-only structure for walking purposes. Some history buffs want it preserved as a relic built more than a decade before Barstow itself was incorporated as a city. The new bridge will enhance traffic safety, improve Americans with Disabilities Act access, enhance pedestrian walkways, and re-establish a safety connection between the two parts of Barstow – the residential north portion and the downtown business district, according to transportation authority officials. |
Three projects |
The new bridge will be the first of three bridge projects, as well as one of several infrastructure changes that will take place as Barstow prepares for the BNSF project. The other bridge structures include one over the Mojave River and one over the river’s overflow area. Both are expected to be built within two to three years. |
updated: October 9, 2023
new 10/05/23: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 8 | |
While visiting the Barstow International Gateway (BIG) & the N. 1st Ave Bridge projects last week, Jorge & I took a few of the old/new Bridge abutments and supporting structures. We also took a few of some of the outdoor displays of the Western America Railroad Museum (WARM) which is housed in the renovated Barstow Harvey House. GGG & JL |
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GGG - BIG-023: EB BNSF 7996 & a sister wait for a "monster" train (note the mid train DPU's) to clear the EB Main through the Barstow Yard. | JL - BIG-024: The NEW bridge frames the "temporary emergency supports" of the old bridge. |
GGG - BIG-025: while this picture shows more of the temporary "fixes". | JL - BIG-026: The ATSF BEEP #1460 at WARM |
JL - BIG-027: Two pictures of ATSF #95 & UP #9150 | JL - BIG-028: Two pictures of ATSF #95 & UP #9150 |
updated: January 31, 2024
new 1/31/24: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 9 |
Our friend Jorge L.
found, on Facebook, the attached Robert Hall aerial
photograph, of progress on the new 1st St. Bridge in
Barstow. This scene looks East with the Barstow
Station/Harvey House & Museum just left of center.
Note that Skanska Construction has started concrete
pouring of the deck surface.
We have no new information on Barstow International Gateway (BIG) which will be built TimeTable West of this location.
JL
& GGG
|
BIG-029: Photo copyright by Robert Hall |
updated: July 13, 2024
new 7/31/24: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 13 |
NEW or OLD
, everyone needs to walk over these two bridges in
100F+ temperatures. Now comes the fun
part---removing the OLD IRON bridge without
interrupting train traffic on many yard tracks AND
the very busy BNSF TRANSCON.
Anyway, here are 2 good
pictures, from THE VICTOR VALLEY NEWS GROUP/VICTORVILLE
DAILY PRESS of the nearly completed project.
GGG
|
BIG-030: Photo copyright by Robert Hall |
BIG-031: Photo copyright by
Robert Hall |
After nearly 18 months of construction, the new
two-lane North First Avenue Bridge in Barstow is scheduled to open. The nearly 1,180-foot-long concrete and steel wonder will officially welcome traffic on Friday, July 12, according to the City of Barstow. The San Bernardino County Transportation Authority originally said the new bridge would open to traffic on Wednesday, July 10. During that time, work crews will intermittently stop traffic at White Street, Hutchison Street and near the Harvey House to move k-rails and redirect motorists onto the new bridge. The new bridge will enhance traffic safety, improve Americans with Disabilities Act access, enhance pedestrian walkways, and re-establish a safety connection between the residential north portion and the downtown business district of Barstow, transportation officials stated. Text and photos copyright by Victorville Daily Press |
updated: August 13, 2024
new 8/13/24: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 15 |
The NEW BARSTOW North FIRST Street bridge
was been completed and is open to traffic. |
BIG-032: The old bridge will be removed part by part. Photo copyright by Virtual Railfan LIVE. |
updated: August 15, 2024
new 8/15/24: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 16 |
With the opening
of the NEW Barstow North First Ave Bridge,
the OLD (1930's), narrow, unstable & near
collapse existing bridge HAD to be removed.
As previously mentioned, these two bridges
cross the throat entrance to the very large
& busy BNSF rail yard and the super busy
BNSF Transcon. Any service disruption was
to be avoided, no matter the cost.
Photographs #035 thru #040
are Virtual RailFan Screen Captures.
At this rate, the OLD bridge
should mostly be HISTORY by the end of next
week. GGG
|
GGG - BIG-033: A labeled & Historic look at the OLD Bridge. |
BIG-034: One example of the numerous efforts made to try & keep the OLD Bridge viable. While driving the bridge, some of life's most interesting moments were those spent meeting a couple of 18 wheelers. (copyright by Lara Hartley) |
BIG-035:
Last eve, while checking
project progress, I noticed that one whole South End Bridge section was
missing. Of course, the missing section was 'on the ground' awaiting
recycling. That HUGE crane, mention in the last report, had been busy.
BTW, the HUGE crane is also known as a
LIEBHERR LR1750/2 from Bragg crane services & rated for 825
ton capacity.
Note
arrows in #035 & #036.
|
BIG-036: (see text above) |
BIG-037: This AM, the Hydraulic Demolition Shears (JAWS) were busy cutting Bridge Section #1 into manageable pieces for shipping & recycling. |
BIG-038: This AM, the Hydraulic Demolition Shears (JAWS) were busy cutting Bridge Section #1 into manageable pieces for shipping & recycling. |
BIG-039: This PM I noticed the Bridge section #2 was dangling midair and beginning its journey to the recycler |
BIG-040: This PM I noticed the Bridge section #2 was dangling midair and beginning its journey to the recycler |
updated: August 20, 2024
new 8/20/24: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 17 |
My reports have generated several
questions concerning Barstow, the importance of the BNSF rail yard, the
placement of VRF cameras and the new/old bridges. Hope the following photos
with exact date (red) will answer the
questioners without boring the rest of you. GGG Barstow Yard - Wikipedia |
BIG-041: As of 24-08-16: Google of the entire Barstow yard, East & West. The positions of the VRF cameras, the OLD BRIDGE & its Northern approach are labeled. |
BIG-042: As of 24-08-16: A detailed Google view of the Eastern BNSF Rail Yard showing the positions of the VRF cameras & both - NEW & OLD - bridges. The, to be removed, truss sections of the OLD bridge are numbered. |
BIG-043: As of 23-05-11: Historical photo of the OLD North 1st ave bridge, with the truss spans numbered. |
BIG-044: As of 24-08-16: Truss section #1 has been removed, cutup and transported to the recycler. Section #2 has moved to ground level and awaits cutting. Section #3, still in its original bridge position, awaits its fate. |
BIG-045: As of 24-08-16: Truss section #1 has been removed, cutup and transported to the recycler. Section #2 has moved to ground level and awaits cutting. Section #3, still in its original bridge position, awaits its fate. |
BIG-046: As of 24-08-19: Crews evidently had the weekend off. Even today (Monday), only "JAWS" was working -cutting truss section #2 into manageable pieces. |
updated: August 21, 2024
new 8/21/24: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 18 |
Got up somewhat early yesterday to witness,
via Virtual RailFAN, the City of Barstow contractor remove truss segment
#3 from over 'Uncle' Warren's BNSF yard rails. Also 'Cousin' Elon was
scheduled to launch a Falcon 9 from FL, about the same time. So, the
ROCKET & TRAIN scheduling gods (very minor gods with little influence)
got together & gave me a GREAT AM in front of my computer screen.
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BIG-047: Truss segment #3 is still in its original bridge position awaiting the "BIG LIFT". |
BIG-048: The entire Truss segment was lifted, moved & rotated toward its final ground position. |
BIG-049: The entire Truss segment was lifted, moved & rotated toward its final ground position. |
BIG-050: The entire Truss segment was lifted, moved & rotated toward its final ground position. |
BIG-051: The entire Truss segment was lifted, moved & rotated toward its final ground position. |
BIG-052: The entire Truss segment was lifted, moved & rotated toward its final ground position. |
BIG-053: Old Bridge segment #3 is slowly lowered to the ground to await its meeting with JAWS, the SCRAP & DEMOLITION Steel/Iron RIPPING and TEARING MONSTER Machine. |
BIG-054: BNSF 6837 is EB out of Barstow for Needles. |
BIG-055: JAWS, The SCRAP & DEMOLITION Steel/Iron RIPPING and TEARING MONSTER Machine. This machine is kinda scary powerful. If you've never seen one work . . . |
BIG-056: UP 8825 is WB toward L.A. |
BIG-057: Two views of the Bridge removal area--#057 was taken during new bridge construction. Of course, segments 1, 2, & 3 have been removed, leaving segments 4,5, & 6 -- and the northern approach for demolition - should be NO PROBLEM. Copyright by Robert Hall. |
BIG-058: Two views of the Bridge removal area--#057 was taken during new bridge construction. Of course, segments 1, 2, & 3 have been removed, leaving segments 4,5, & 6 -- and the northern approach for demolition - should be NO PROBLEM. |
updated: August 24, 2024
new 8/24/24: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 19 |
After attending
to some Barstow business yesterday, we took
some time to drive the NEW North First AVE
Bridge and try to answer some of my many
questions.
I have combined my own pictures with some VRF SCREEN CAPTURES in the following: GGG |
BIG-059: All that's left of the OLD BRIDGE - three SHORT girder supported bridge sections, their piers, and the Northern approach to the OLD bridge. |
BIG-060:
All that's left of the OLD BRIDGE - three SHORT
girder supported bridge sections, their piers, and the Northern approach to the OLD bridge. |
BIG-061:
A
late AMTRAK #3 leaves Barstow for San Berdoo & L.A. via the "House track" -
under one of the remaining girder supported OLD bridge sections. |
BIG-062:
A late AMTRAK #3 leaves Barstow for San Berdoo & L.A. via the
"House track" - under one of the remaining girder supported OLD bridge sections. Also shown is an ANCHOR TIE-DOWN between the pier and bridge. |
BIG-063:
Rail traffic between Barstow & Cajon Summit was very slow with trains
stopped or slowly running nose to tail. Another BNSF WB waits to leave Barstow. |
BIG-064: Thought I'd insert this OLDER image to identify objects to be seen in SCREEN CAPTURES #07 & #08.. The PIERS are VERY LARGE, made of reinforced poured concrete & have had MANY MANY years to cure. Note the long white spanners, used to equalize lifting forces, above the airborne bridge (upper right). |
BIG-065: You may remember that these earth movers, when equipped with the Hydraulic Demolition Shears, were quite impressive at cutting, ripping & tearing the steel of the bridge trusses. They are equally impressive attacking the concrete piers, when fitted with the HAMMER attachment. |
BIG-066: You may remember that these earth movers, when equipped with the Hydraulic Demolition Shears, were quite impressive at cutting, ripping & tearing the steel of the bridge trusses. They are equally impressive attacking the concrete piers, when fitted with the HAMMER attachment. |
updated: August 28, 2024
new 8/28/24: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 20 |
The projects to
replace the
Barstow N. First
Ave Bridge over
the BNSF
Rail-yard &
Transcon tracks
and removal of
the existing 94
y/o bridge are
nearing
completion. Only
one Girder
supported
section of the
OLD Bridge and a
bit of the
Northern
approach remain
in place.
What has been really fascinating has been the movement of the large construction & demolition equipment with little, if any, apparent disruption to rail traffic. GGG ALL PICTURES ARE VRF SCREEN CAPTURES with their copyright. |
BIG-067: Girder section #4 was removed & lowered to join Girder section #6 on the ground, to await recycling as seen on pics #067 to 069. |
BIG-068: |
BIG-069: |
BIG-070: BNSF Yard engine 500 passes the crane's BIG HOOK. |
BIG-071: Rubble of the second of six piers is being removed. HEAVY TIMBERS have been placed to provide a stable "roadway" for crane movement. |
BIG-072: BNSF 6541 leads a MONSTER train EB through the Barstow yard. |
BIG-073: The LIEBHERR LR1750/2 crane (locally known as THE BEAST) climbs aboard it's turning platform. The water is sprayed to provide some lubrication during the turn. |
BIG-074: The beast has climbed the short hill & is waiting for BNSF 6235, using the depot track, to pass |
BIG-075: The BEAST crosses the heavily protected depot track |
BIG-076: The BEAST crosses the heavily protected depot track |
BIG-077: A very long & very heavy HERZOG ballast train is EB |
BIG-078: A very long & very heavy HERZOG ballast train is EB |
BIG-079: A very long & very heavy HERZOG ballast train is EB w/rear end DPU's. |
updated: August 30, 2024
new 8/30/24: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 21 |
With the dismantling of the Northern three girder spans, removal of the OLD Barstow N, 1st Ave Bridge is 99% complete, except for the four concrete piers which once supported the structure.
According to the City of Barstow "The new bridge is the first replacement in a series of three bridges slated for renovation. The next two are over the Mojave River and the river’s overflow area". An area just West of the Depot/Harvey House has been designated as the CONSTRUCTION STORAGE LOT for equipment parking, & further reduction / recycling of larger items.
The last three bridge sections (4, 5 & 6) were not removed in numerical order. For some reason, 6 was removed first, followed by 4, with both being temporarily grounded between the RR tracks. Yesterday, Section 5 was moved directly to the Construction Storage Lot followed by a second move of Sections 4 & 6.
5 PICTURES ARE VRF SCREEN CAPTURES with their copyright. |
BIG-080: Labeled map which should explain my above ramblings. (photo copyright by Robert Hall) |
BIG-081: Bridge section 5, in place, during it's last hour as part of a 90 y/o bridge. |
BIG-082: Bridge sections 5, 4, & 6 moving (flying) to Construction Storage Lot. |
BIG-083: Bridge sections 5, 4, & 6 moving (flying) to Construction Storage Lot. |
BIG-084: Bridge sections 5, 4, & 6 moving (flying) to Construction Storage Lot. |
BIG-085: BNSF 6349? is EB thru the Barstow Yards. |
updated: September 17, 2024
new 9/17/24: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 22 |
The NEW Barstow North First Ave Bridge over the BNSF rail yard is finished & in use. The OLD bridge has been removed & its piers demolished. Here are a few pictures of the finishing work. GGG |
BIG-086:
An old image, but label updated to show current
events. One far end of Bridge Section #3 has been saved, to
probably become part of The Rt “66” Museum over near the La Casa del
Desierto/Harvey House-see pic # BIG-089. 110 feet the the OLD Bridge Safety railing has been retained and will be donated to the Mojave River & Valley Museum in Barstow. Two of the seven massive 90+ year old OLD Bridge piers have been labeled -see pics # BIG-088 to 091. |
BIG-087: The OLD saved bridge end probably headed to the museum. The workers are donning HAZMAT attire probably to protect against any lead based paint, previously used on the iron. |
BIG-088:
An old picture, updated with my PIER numbering system. Piers #6 & #7 were
the last two to be demolished (photo copyright by Robert Hall) |
BIG-089: Pier #6 is being toppled. |
BIG-090: Pier #6 is being toppled. |
BIG-091: Pier #7 is fighting the hammer attachment & its imminent destruction. |
updated: September 24, 2024
new 9/23/24: Barstow First Avenue Bridge over BNSF replacement - Part 23 |
For several months, local conversations have centered on how much of the OLD North First Ave Bridge would be saved and presented to one of the local museums for display. Lately, it has become obvious that the far end of the last REMAINING bridge segment was being retained & not chopped-up for recycling. |
BIG-092: An old image taken just after the Museum bound bridge remnant was freed from the third OLD BRIDGE Segment (8/29/24). |
BIG-093: UP 9052 is EB to Yermo. The BNSF lash-up is backing into the WEST yard to pick-up its train. The OLD bridge remnant rests behind the 4th BNSF unit. |
BIG-094: The remnant has been loaded onto the Modular Transporter & the convoy assembled - to follow the red path across the Rail Yard tracks |
BIG-095: The remnant has been loaded onto the Modular Transporter & the convoy assembled - to follow the red path across the Rail Yard tracks |
BIG-096: The convoy navigates the “infield” between the YARD TRACKS & the MAINLINE |
BIG-097: The convoy navigates the “infield” between the YARD TRACKS & the MAINLINE (close up) |
BIG-098: The convoy navigates the “infield” between the YARD TRACKS & the MAINLINE while a high-priority BNSF is WB on the Mains |
BIG-099: The convoy navigates the “infield” between the YARD TRACKS & the MAINLINE while a high-priority BNSF is WB on the Mains |
BIG-100: The convoy crosses the MAINS & heads for the DEPOT track to finish its 15-minute journey across the yard. The museum piece now rests on huge wooden blocks, out of sight, behind the Depot/Museum/Harvey House building |
BIG-101: The convoy crosses the MAINS & heads for the DEPOT track to finish its 15-minute journey across the yard. The museum piece now rests on huge wooden blocks, out of sight, behind the Depot/Museum/Harvey House building |
WELL, that's it for this project. - GGG On to The BARSTOW INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY (if ever built) & the BRIGHTLINE WEST (if ever built). |
Go back to Cajon Pass Main Page - click here
History of Hill 582 photos - click here | Ranchero Road Project - click here | Colton Flyover Project - click here |
Highway 138 East Project - click here | Mojave River Bridges - click here | Green Tree Blvd. Project - click here |
Cajon Pass 3rd Main Track Construction by BNSF in 2007 and
2008
BNSF was building a 3rd Main Track thru Cajon Pass. It was built along the # 1 (north) track (2,2 % grade). The only 2 tunnels in Cajon have been daylighted. This one of a time project was completed on November 07, 2008. |
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3rd Main Track Project by BNSF 2007/2008 outstanding coverage on 9 Albums Photos by Don E. Toles, Gary G. Gray and Marc Fournier taken from 6/22/07 to 12/24/08 |
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DET 8/24/07 Summit Curve - 061 | See all 9 pages with 896 photos - click here | DET 10/25/07 T-2 EP w/BNSF EB train - 197 |
Copyright - Trainmaster by Werner Meer - 2024