Iconic Bridge over the Old Barstow Yard Being Razed

[C855B]

A friend from my home town sent a note that the classic 1st Street bridge that spanned the west end of the old yard at Barstow is being razed. I found this article:

https://www.vvdailypress.com/story/news/2024/07/05/85m-north-first-avenue-bridge-in-barstow-set-to-open-soon/74306336007/

Having traversed that bridge many times in my railfanning I suspect it had aged-out, but since the 58 bypass to I-15 was cut-in west of town decades ago I can't imagine it had enough traffic to justify that elaborate of a modern replacement. Apparently somebody decided it did.

[peteski]

Maybe the old bridge has deteriorated so much that repairs weren't economical?

[C855B]

Probably. Article did mention structural deficiencies to a severe degree. It seemed spindly to me even 40 years ago.