A burned trestle just north of Chama, N.M., on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad is so badly damaged that it may have to be completely replaced, the railroad announced Thursday night.
As a result, the railroad is moving an entire passenger train – a locomotive and eight passenger coaches – from its Chama depot to the Cumbres station just over the Colorado border.
Regular service from the Cumbres Station to Osier and Antonito will begin next week, with bus service for passengers from the Chama Depot to Cumbres, according to Nick Quintana, spokesman for the railroad. He said the rest of the passenger coaches will be moved the 14 miles from Chama to Cumbres today.
The Lobato Trestle, at 310 feet, is the second-highest on the 64-mile scenic railroad. It burned June 24.
According to Elmer Salazar, president and CEO of the railroad, structural engineers who have inspected the trestle have said it might have to be replaced.
“They said that the most prudent course of action would be to replace the entire thing, but we are still exploring less extreme alternatives,” said Salazar. “It is not yet clear whether this recommendation is based on damage from the fire, or from the general condition of this almost century-old structure.”
Salazar said that in the event the entire trestle has to be replaced, it would likely result in the portion of the line near Chama being out of service for most of the summer.
“We would prefer the quicker solution of replacing the roadbed on the existing steel trestle framework, as that approach would take a vastly short time to complete repairs,” said Salazar. “However, the long-term safety and adequacy of the trestle is the primary concern – and if those considerations dictate a necessity to replace the whole thing, we will do it.”
Gerald Garner, spokesman for the New Mexico Regulation Commission, said that an investigation by the New Mexico State Fire Marshals Office into the cause of the fire is continuing.
Garner said the fire marshal’s investigation has ruled out fireworks and lightning as causes and there is no evidence of any criminal act.
The railroad said it has insurance on the trestle, but it is likely insufficient to cover the cost of a new bridge.
Tim Tennant, president of the nonprofit Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, said supporters are “already lining up to support the rebuilding of the trestle.”
He said an account has been established to assist in raising funds for the restoration. Contributions can be sent in care of the Friends of the Railroad, 6005 Osuna Road, Albuquerque, N.M. 87109.
Howard Pankratz: 303-954-1939 or hpankratz@denverpost.com
