The railroads have been engaged with mother nature in a continuous struggle to keep her at bay. Snow, floods, landslides, heat (sun kinks), earthquakes, wind, settling roadbed, etc. all have impeded railroaders in their efforts to keep the trains roiling. In some cases, these efforts were reactive such as plowing snow and shoveling snow. In other cases, these efforts were proactive such as building snow sheds and snow fences. The Frisco’s ROW near Bridge 438.9 on the Arthur Subdivision was being encroached by Riddle Creek. During 1912, the creek, cut 10 lateral feet from its bank, and it was within 3 feet of the Frisco ROW. To prevent further encroachment, the Frisco District Engineer’s Office proposed to dig an 800 foot long channel to redirect Riddle Creek. The proposed work is depicted in the attached drawing, which is dated April 28, 1913. One does have to ask why this solution was chosen vis-a-vis dumping riprap on the creek bank. Perhaps the channel was viewed as a more “long-term” solution. The bridge depicted was renewed during 1924, and its appearance changed. The Deck Plate Girder was doubled-up, i.e. old girders were added to strengthen the bridge, and the 5-panel, open-deck pile/framed (4 pile bents/2 frame bents ) trestle was re-driven/rebuilt. Modern B&B records refer to this bridge as 438.7 One hundred years later, the track is still in place, but it belongs to the Haywire, and as the satellite image shows, the Frisco’s handiwork is still protecting the railroad ROW from erosion. One hundred years ago, the task seemed rather straight forward, but today with the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers, one wonders if the railroad would be allowed to perform this work.
They sure didn't fool around about it now did they! I also think you're right about the red tape they would encounter now a days. Those two comparison images were cool to see. Very good post Thanks.
