Bridge remains raised as the former SP line is inactive. With its connection at Schellville with the Northwestern Pacific RR., hundreds of thousands of railroad car loads of lumber once crossed this bridge.
Mark
I was wondering from your orginal post if this portion was was still active and is this the same span that led to the demise of several Baldwin roadswitchers in the mid 50’s?
RIP NWP/SP
Dave
Dave,
On July 12, 1959, the engineer of SP’s Baldwin diesels #5260, #4904 (cabless), and #5261 ran through this drawbridge while it was raised, resulting in their ruin. There’s been talk about reactivating part of the NWP which would justify reopening the line from Napa Junction to Schellville.
Must have been asleep at the throttle, seeing as the approaches were covered by the only signals on the line!
So, all’s not lost regarding future service.
Dave
Mark, You are correct about there being talk. Lots of it for many years now. Who knows one of these day I will come down 29 and see it down. Then I would know that some thing is maybe on the way.One can have hope.
It seems like there has been talk of NWP reopening since it closed back in 1998.
Well, about a couple of years ago they replaced the cut-offed crossing gates where the NWP crosses Highway 37 near Sears Point, but I’ve seen no signs of trains yet.