Ross Miller Wrote:
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>
> I would imagine that the bridges are still under
> water and doubt that they were removed. I would be
> interested to know either way, whether they were
> left in place or pulled for scrap though.
>
According to the NPS ranger the bridges are still in place under water and fisherman report they can “see” them on their sonar. They also said depending on the water level some of the ROW is accessible still as a hiking trail.
As far as the ongoing bridge and exhibit restoration I spoke to Forest Frost who heads this up for the NPS Black Canyon Park. Currently they are rehabilitating the exhibit bridge (including rails and ties) which should be complete in May 2016. The funding for the various rolling stock restorations is budgeted through 2020 and they will be going out for bid soon on exterior restoration of caboose 0577, with boxcar 3192 next. The stock cars and MOW car at the Cimarron visitor center are also scheduled for some work. Currently there is no funding for an engine house/ visitors center at Cimarron but it is still an option as the restorations of the exhibit cars continues in the coming years. NPS appreciates and welcomes the railfan communities’ support for these ongoing projects. Access to photograph inside the locked gate where # 278 is currently stored near the Cimarron visitors center is possible by contacting the Black Canyon park office (970) 249-1914 or the Ranger at the Cimarron visitor center in advance of your visit. Boat tours on the Black Canyon/Gunnison River will resume with reservations starting on May 1 depending on the spring runoff/ releases from Morrow Point Reservoir.
Rod
Black Canyon NPS exhibit
Black Canyon boat tour
