News
Trestle on historic NM railway to be replaced
Posted: Mar 20, 2011 2:02 PM by AP
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - A badly burned trestle along the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad route should be replaced in time for the May 28 opening of the seasonal railway.
Railroad spokesman Nick Quintana tells the Albuquerque Journal that the historic railroad expects to be open along its entire 64 miles of track between Antonito, Colo., and Chama, N.M.
The New Mexico Department of Transportation drew up plans for the reconstruction and a winning bidder was picked last week. Department spokeswoman Megan Arredondo says replacing the trestle's steel girders and wooden deck will take between 20 to 28 days once construction begins.
The Lobato Trestle dates back to 1883 and is believed to be the oldest railroad bridge still in service in New Mexico. It was rendered impassable after it caught fire in June.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
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