Re: Black Canyon Bridge west of Sapinero

40sfan Wrote:
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> I understand the Rio Grande Lake City Branch
> was scrapped about 1934.

D&RGW abandoned the branch in May of '33.
It was sold to the San Cristobal Ry which operated intermittently (using a sort of Galloping Goose type vehicle) until '37 when it was scrapped.

> Does anyone
> know when the iron bridge at mp 314.78 was
> moved (or scrapped)?

During WWII. It shows up in pictures from the early 40's, I have not seen any pictures of it post-war.


> Any info on the wooden thru truss at this location
> would be appreciated as well.

I think it was removed a little earlier but I have no data.

> The low auto bridge
> (or a replacement) was washed out in 1944
> and I assume it was upgraded when it was
> replaced.

That bridge, and route for hwy 50, were replaced by a new, higher route in about '28. The bridge was removed and the road closed shortly after that. The current gravel road down Pine Creek to the trail head for the trail to the Morrow Point Res. boat trip uses part of its grade, as does the (not open to public) continuation of it to the base of Blue Mesa Dam. The late 20's route of hwy 50 was relocated to the current route starting in the early 60's, partly because of Blue Mesa dam, and can be seen at several places West of the current crossing of the Lake Fork by hwy 50. It forms a boat ramp, is curving below the current route at Pine Creek, swings out further on the turn South into Blue Creek Canyon, etc.

The bridge washed out in '44 was on the new (ca '28, now old) route of hwy 50 nearer to Sapinero and crossed the Gunnison, not the Lake Fork.

hank

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