See photos of the bridge fire scene in the April Western Rail Passenger Review in the mail NOW.
Trains have returned to the bridge destroyed by fire near Sacramento. Union Pacific Sacramento Bridge Update Saturday, March 31, 2007
routing. About 50 trains a day operate over the bridge.
The following is Capitol Corridor Managing Director Gene Skoropowski’s “good news” report to riders. See also the Photos of the Month on this site when they are posted tomorrow.
“Today, we received confirmation from both Union Pacific Railroad and Amtrak that regular Capitol Corridor passenger rail service will be restored to/from Placer County starting with next Sunday evening’s train #742 (April 1, 2007), and thence on a regular weekday schedule starting with Monday
morning’s Train #529 (April 2, 2007) from Auburn to Sacramento and on to Oakland/San Francisco.
“Most of the ‘backed-up’ freight trains will have been moved through the area by then, as Union Pacific has implemented an interim operating plan which is routing Eastbound freight trains via Marysville (Binney Junction), thence to Roseville and points East, while Westbound trains both freight and passenger will use the newly opened track across the new trestle. The two Eastbound passenger trains Amtrak #6 to Denver/Chicago (California Zephyr) and Capitol Corridor train #536, will use the new single track trestle in both directions until the second track is reopened by UPRR at the end of April.
“On behalf of the Capitol Corridor, and all our passengers, we extend sincere thanks and appreciation to Union Pacific for their efforts to restore train service, and we also extend an awe-struck commendation to them for the incredibly fast response of Union Pacific’s engineering forces in rebuilding the American River bridge approach trestle in what can only be described as ‘monumental speed’. Completion of one track in only 12 days from the time of the fire is virtually unheard of in today’s world.
“Train riders had visions of ‘months of substitute service’. Again, I am still in awe of the fantastic response of Union Pacific. So enjoy the good news and we look forward to seeing all of you on the train next week.”