Western Railroad Discussion > Photo Location for Missouri River Bridge in Chamberlain, SD

I am posting this inquiry for a friend.

Does anyone know if there is good access to photograph trains going across the Missouri River in Chamberlain, SD from both sides?  It's right off of I-90 and looks like a scenic bridge. Google earth shows a road on each side but do you have to go on foot to take a shot from river level?  I did a search on TO and found some information on the bridge, but no photos. Any help will be much appreciated.

Cheers,
Jack

Problem is how often do they run trains over the bridge?  It seems they might be running west to Presho.  Can't help with your question but I do remember from the one time I was out there that the bridge in question was very impressive.  Few links of interest below.

http://rapidcityjournal.com/blog/pierre-review/rail-rehab-will-cover-chamberlain-to-presho/article_8ee9b37c-3f3c-11e4-8ee7-6b2f6984ce3b.html
http://www.progressiverailroading.com/mow/news/Dakota-Southern-Railway-South-Dakota-DOT-cap-off-track-rehabilitation-project--33146
http://www.johnweeks.com/river_missouri/pages/sd_mo_03.html
http://www.mitchellrepublic.com/content/sd-house-oks-plan-12m-rail-bridge-oacoma-chamberlain
 

stevelv Wrote:
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> Problem is how often do they run trains over the
> bridge?  It seems they might be running west to
> Presho.  

You will wait a very long time before seeing a train on that bridge. The line is scheduled to be rehab'd, but bridge work will be done this year and then the track will be done in 2016.

AFAIK at this time, there's nothing running on that bridge.  Maybe some time next year,
but that's a long way off.

Nick Tharalson,
Marion, IA

Thanks, everyone for your replies. Sounds there is no rush to photoograph the bridge!

Cheers,
JAck

Dakota Southern Railway Missouri River Bridge continues to get new ties and wooden walkway installed as of May 16, 2016.  Missouri River bridge was used over the years to store cars west of the Missouri River-no customers west of there in recent years.  The new Western Growers elevator at Kennebec, SD, has their new loop loading track graded and track installation starts in June 2016.  Unit trains to start loading in September-? 2016 according to folks at the elevator.  RailWorks Track Systems busy changing out the rail (say good bye to 65- and 75-pound rail.  Line is getting 132 and 136-pound stick rail.  Project east of Chamberlain, SD, was completed in 2015.  Line west of Chamberlain getting attention first half of 2016.  The $30 million, 42-mile upgrade (reactivation-?) due to Wheat Growers investment in grain elevator at Kennebec.

Forwarding info-Bruce Lindholm, rail program manager with the South Dakota Department of Transportation Office of Air, Rail and Transit, said the projected completion date for the project is September 2016.The project starts in Chamberlain and goes one mile past Presho, spanning 42.4 miles. Wheat Growers is constructing a large elevator and fertilizer complex at Kennebec, along a segment of the state-owned line, which, Lindholm said, was the driving force for the project."The idea here is there is a new elevator going in in Kennebec, and that's one of the reasons for the upgrade, as it goes past Kennebec to Presho. It's to use these heavy, big freight trains."The rehab project is focused on fixing bridges and culverts, adding approximately 1,300 rail ties per mile, replacing existing rail and straightening and leveling the track. To date, Lindholm said, more than 13 miles of track have been added between Reliance and Kennebec.

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