A trestle just north of Chama, N.M., on the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad was so badly damaged by fire that it may have to be completely replaced, the railroad said this week.
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 border in Colorado.
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.
The Lobato Trestle, at 310 feet, is the second-highest on the 64-mile scenic railroad. It burned June 24.
Gerald Garner, spokesman for the New Mexico Regulation Commission, said an investigation by the state fire marshal’s office into the cause of the fire is continuing.
Tim Tennant, president of the nonprofit Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, said supporters are “already lining up to support the rebuilding of the trestle.” He said an account has been established to help raise funds for the restoration. Contributions can be sent in care of Friends of the Railroad, 6005 Osuna Road, Albuquerque, NM 87109.
Howard Pankratz, The Denver Post
