Alto's Signal Bridges
Author: David Larrabee
On Saturday the 16th NS set up 4 cranes and in the space of less than an hour removed 4 signal bridges controled by Alto at Cove and Slope. The new signals for 'CP Altoona' now control movements at the west end of the complex. Here is a summary of the process very well carried out by a large crew. /DL
Photo Gallery
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As I arrived they were just finishing the set up for the cranes which were set up to take the weight of the bridges when the time came. This photo was taken about 11:30am.
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A lot of work on switches was underway as the signal bridges were being taken down.
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Looking west off th e17th Street Bridge past Alto. The riggers are attaching cables to the bridge as this was taken. It is 11:39am.
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Rail traffic is about to be suspended. Pittsburgh East was running trains at slow speed thru the area and advising trains that Alto signals were dark and to ignore the new CP Altoona aspects. No cutting of the bridge structures had commenced at this time. It is 11:47am. /DL
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This is 17G the last train to pass thru the area before the bridges were taken down. /DL
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It is 11:59 AM.
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Approaching west between Cove and Slope.
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the cables are tight & the riggers are off the structure. In the distance the crane for WAS Slope is visible. It is about 12:05 pm. /DL
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The signals are off and apparently the switches are on manual and held in place with wedges. /DL
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12:45 and the cutting is well along. Cutting is just about done on the north side of EAS Cove.
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13:08 and EAS Cove is on the move.
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Cranes for WAS and EAS Slope are in the distance.
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It is 13:16 and both of Slope's Bridges are on the move. /DL
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It is 13:16 and both of Slope's Bridges are on the move. /DL
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It is 13:16 and both of Slope's Bridges are on the move. /DL
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13:24 and the last bridge is being moved.
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They began cutting them up right off taking the legs off a few feet at a time then lowering the structure down. /DL
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This power move came up and was held at CP Altoona by Pittsburgh East.
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22W was the first train through the area after the bridges were taken down.
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22W was the first train through the area after the bridges were taken down.
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22W was the first train through the area after the bridges were taken down.
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This banner was unfurled as 22W passed Alto. /DL
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22W is in the distance center frame and the signal bridge is 5 or 6 feet closer to the ground. It is 14:24. /DL
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The count down is well underway... /DL