Along the former r/o/w east from Chapel toward Alhambra Wash

Looking ENE toward trestle location

Circled are the three apparent bridge support piers on east side of wash.
Area on west side of the wash has been heavily graded as part of the park
Click on picture for full-size image (about 1 MB)

Close-up of bridge supports, looking due east across wash.

Remains of what appear to be three bridge-support piers. Note that #1 and #2 are essentially similar in appearance and condition. The northernmost pier, #3, has a somewhat different appearance and condition.

Click on picture for full-size image


The railroad was built in 1887-88 as a narrow-gauge line, and standard-gauged in 1892 when operation was taken over by the Los Angeles Terminal Railway. Southern Pacific acquired the line in 1893 and operated it until about 1942. My hypothesis is that #1 and #2 may have been supports for the trestle in its narrow-gauge configuration, and #3 may have been added when, or some time after, the line was widened to standard gauge.
Your comments would be very much appreciated !

I wasn't able to get measurements of the spacing between the supports, so it would be helpful if someone could get those. Presumably the piers angled in, so I expect that they are somewhat wider than the track gauge. Access is easy from the east side of the wash, though it is a bit steep with some loose gravel.

My SGVRT Mapping page (in serious need of updating!)

Also, check out the "Mapping_Rails" Yahoogroup