A few weeks ago someone posted about the lack of bridge restorations in modern times. It was mentioned how difficult it is to do such a project, and how those difficulties disuade railroads/museums/etc. to undertake such a project. Even so, some bridge restorations do occur. I would like to direct you to the link below, which shows a just completed bridge restoration.

The project had been underway for over three years. This included all the govenmental requirements(lots and lots of those) and environmental studies. The actual work time frame was just eight weeks-from the beginning of Oct. to just before Thanksgiving. This includes delays due to inclement(read wild and unusual) weather. Work done includes: cleaning and sandblasting; primer, intermediate, and top coat painting; installation of a new wood deck; new pile caps; new ties and tamping on the approach trestles.

All the work was done by a contractor, except for the creation of the new sign at the top of the bridge. The sign was made by volunteers at the Northwest Railway Museum. The first picture on the web page shows the sign shortly after it was put in place. To give you an idea of the scale of things, the sign, made up of four sections, is two feet tall and forty six feet long. Enough of the original sign was left to allow us to make a credible duplicate.

Having been over the bridge many times over the last two weeks, all I can say is that it was worth every dollar and minute spent on the project.


Northwest Railway Museum
nitmo@centurytel.net

I thought I would also add, that a photo essay with some other information has also been added to the Northwest Railway Museum's web site on the Bridge 35 restoration. See link below.

Bridge 35 Restoration
NP2626@RRmail.com

Attached is a link to a different type of bridge restoration.

CNJ bridge @ Coalport, PA restored by the R&N
jrevans@accu-REMOVE-sort.com