WTCX Trip: Back over the River

Continued from Rocky Point.

The train climbed back up the approach to the Cowlitz River bridge. Notice that some of the old wooden trestle survived the July 2, 2001 fire and is still in use.

Photo by Cliff West.

Notice the proximity of homes to the trestle. During the fire, a serious concern was preventing any homes from being destroyed as well. Many residents found themselves desperately spraying their roofs down with garden hoses as a defense against the sparks.

Photo by Cliff West.

Here is a look at the modern construction of the replacement section of the bridge.

Now the train is on the new part of the bridge. Notice the very different construction as compared to the first picture, and the lack of vegetation below, where it was cleared to rebuild the bridge, and had yet to grow back.

Photo by Cliff West.

Here is a look at the main span as the train approaches. From this angle the natural gas line for the Weyerhaeuser mill is clearly visible.

The train approaching the main span.

Photo by Cliff West.

As the train starts onto the main span, the date of 1926 is clearly visible on the truss.

This view shows the Cowlitz River from the main span of the  bridge again, looking north. The town of Lexington, Washington, is in the background.

Photo by Cliff West.

This view shows the locomotives starting down the bridge on the west side of the river.

Continue to A Friendly Wave.