Western Railroad Discussion > Classic SP So. San Francisco Signal Bridge Endangered

The historic Southern Pacific signal bridge in South San Francisco, CA now appears to be in
its final weeks or months of use.  The bridge was constructed circa 1911 and once spanned
eight tracks(the two main tracks along with three yard tracks on each side).  A large scale
rebuilding of Caltrain's South San Francisco station will result in its eventual removal with
the current main track two being shifted approx. 20' to the west to accomodate a new 700' center
island platform to be reached by a pedestrian subway.  Details on the project:

http://www.caltrain.com/projectsplans/Projects/Caltrain_Capital_Program/South_San_Francisco_Caltrain_Station_Improvement_Project.html

The project summary specifically mentions signal work as part of the rebuilding and the signals
attached to the bridge are the only ones in the immediate area.  Two on site contractors spoken
to recently confirmed its planned removal but couldn't specify a date.  Any further updates would
be appreciated.  This project is due for completion in the fall of 2020.  The three attached photos
were taken yeterday 6/6.

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Union Pacific's Broadway Local is seen passing under the bridge last night with its 30+ car
train prior to departure for Redwood Jct.  They will follow Caltrain #288 out of town.

A final note for Peninsula freight watchers: the WFRX 914XXX series hoppers have taken over
about 90% of the Graniterock traffic with the old orange GRCX equipment seen far less.

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Aren't the old orange GraniteRock hoppers rapidly approaching their mandatory retirement date?

Well progerss moves on. Take lots of phots, this one is not worth to save. Needs a paint job.

Bummer to see it go, cost of progress.

Nathan

Posted from iPhone

PHall Wrote:
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> Aren't the old orange GraniteRock hoppers rapidly
> approaching their mandatory retirement date?

It's passed. You aren't seeing them in these images. Those are Caltrains ballast hoppers. The black ones on the Broadway are the leased fleet Granite Rock is now using. At least I think they're leased. 



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/08/19 10:51 by phthithu.

CPRR Wrote:
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> Needs a paint job.

They would have to sandblast it first--the paint and rust may be the only thing holding it together.

Regarding the black hoppers, they are leased from Wells Fargo Rail Leasing.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/08/19 09:31 by milepost20.

I wonder how many tons of silver paint SP slathered on that signal bridge in its century of service.
...Lorenzo