Tracking West
Dog Creek Bridge
In 1927, Highway 99 was being constructed through the mountains of Northern California. That year a tall arch bridge would open that overlooked the Southern Pacific as it paralleled the Sacramento River. This would be the Dog Creek Bridge, and it would be part of the main highway over these mountains for decades. However, this bridge would only see about a half century of use.
In the 1960s, a new interstate started constructed to replace 99 and other routes all the way to the border of Canada. This new interstate would be I-5, running from the Mexico border to the Canada border, and in 1974 this section of 99 would be closed. Although much of the original highway was replaced by I-5, many sections still exist and some are even still in use as highways. The Dog Creek Bridge would be one of these existing pieces, and it has become a great interest for railfans and local historians.
Fifty one years after being removed from service another day’s first light starts to illuminate the old bridge. It doesn’t take long before the Coast Starlight comes rushing through, with an interesting set of power leading the way. Amtrak 510, a rare sight on the mainline, leads the Starlight with Amtrak’s “Pepsi Can” scheme heritage unit 160 behind it. 160’s scheme is the same that 510 and all the other dash 8s had when they were first delivered in the early 90s. This duo would not last long though, as the trip south would see the addition of a third motor to replace 510. Regardless, having the opportunity to see a dash 8 lead the Starlight again was appreciated, with the last one to lead before that being 2020. Although neither the bridge or dash 8s seem to be going anywhere, dash 8s very rarely make it on the Starlight, so who knows when the next chance to get this shot again will be.
Dog Creek Bridge
In 1927, Highway 99 was being constructed through the mountains of Northern California. That year a tall arch bridge would open that overlooked the Southern Pacific as it paralleled the Sacramento River. This would be the Dog Creek Bridge, and it would be part of the main highway over these mountains for decades. However, this bridge would only see about a half century of use.
In the 1960s, a new interstate started constructed to replace 99 and other routes all the way to the border of Canada. This new interstate would be I-5, running from the Mexico border to the Canada border, and in 1974 this section of 99 would be closed. Although much of the original highway was replaced by I-5, many sections still exist and some are even still in use as highways. The Dog Creek Bridge would be one of these existing pieces, and it has become a great interest for railfans and local historians.
Fifty one years after being removed from service another day’s first light starts to illuminate the old bridge. It doesn’t take long before the Coast Starlight comes rushing through, with an interesting set of power leading the way. Amtrak 510, a rare sight on the mainline, leads the Starlight with Amtrak’s “Pepsi Can” scheme heritage unit 160 behind it. 160’s scheme is the same that 510 and all the other dash 8s had when they were first delivered in the early 90s. This duo would not last long though, as the trip south would see the addition of a third motor to replace 510. Regardless, having the opportunity to see a dash 8 lead the Starlight again was appreciated, with the last one to lead before that being 2020. Although neither the bridge or dash 8s seem to be going anywhere, dash 8s very rarely make it on the Starlight, so who knows when the next chance to get this shot again will be.