Craig Philpott

Based on the provided photos, would this be more accurately described as a pony truss rather then a through truss?

Interesting case. Often the state DOT reasoning includes alledged need for a wider bridge, two lanes, more pedestrian access etc. This solution appears to solve nothing, widen nothing. Weird.

Not a joke. This timber is first or second growth redwood timber that was laid down and cross planked with 10x10 square cut timber for short spans such as this. In the state forests of Sonoma County, Mendocino County and Humbolt County of Northern California there are still a few such whole log bridges that are still crossed by 4x4's and pickups. This one was bypassed years ago by a concrete box culvert and the timbers remain. No huge design interest, just interesting.

A couple responses. In the event that the McCann bridge is flooded the ferry skiff is operated by the county at no charge as part of the county road system. The skiff does not cross over the bridge at high water but rather traverses the river downstream of the flooded bridge. The bridge and ferry serve several farms and about half a dozen families on the North side of the river and in most cases the families park a vehicle on each side of the river during flooding. The skiff is used on school days in the Winter to ferry children to the school bus as well. The bridge has never been extended clear across the flood plain, even as a low bridge, due to the state and federal classification of the river as a wild river.

The description error on this bridge was a reference to the preceding 1930's bridge which was a pony truss. Description revised.

I find the posted street views of many replacement bridges to be a helpful comparison to the removed structure, particularly if there are historical images of the original structure. There is nothing like the intricate detail of an old truss crossing a span. Sometimes, seeing the replacement structure gives me courage, sometimes dismay.

This now abandoned segment of the original rail line over Donner Summit has at least four tunnel and/or avalanche shed segments spread across more then 10,000 feet of rail bed. This segment has been replace with one, straight, two mile tunnel under the mountain pass. In 2008 the old tunnel was open to be driven through by high clearance vehicles.

New pictures posted, construction continues on replacement project.

I just want to add my comment of thanks for the photos and videos that have been posted and linked here regarding the rebuilding of this bridge. Congratulations and thanks to all of you working on this project.

Well well, a natural bridge, what an interesting addition to the site.

How on earth would you get that up there, painted properly and attached? Interesting prank that works since we are talking about it.

What a visually delightful bridge. It is so encouraging to see "old" ideas implemented in such a contemporary design.

If you can provide some evidence of the 1912 construction date it would be very helpful.

I would love to have a picture of the old bridge. To me the value of this entire website is the photographing of the old bridges before they are replaced. Sometimes we are late. I have only been capturing bridges at an accelerated pace for two years now and already I know of two bridge I have shot that are being replaced during 2010. The race is on to capture before they are gone.

A wonderful bridge that requires a hike of about 1.5 miles from the nearest road. The hike is South from Alderpoint along the RR ROW which is completely grown over, washed out and filled with stickers and brush.