The Front Range in Colorado received what has been referred to as a "500 year flood" in the past week. Boulder County (northwest of Denver) received more rain in three days than the annual average for Denver! Consequently, five of the six rail lines in to and out of Denver had some degree of damage to them. The Moffat had it the worst though. A 500-foot portion of the fill in between Tunnels 2 and 3 completely failed and washed away, leaving the welded rail and ties dangling a couple hundred feet above the ground. Estimates are anywhere from 1-4 weeks before the line is open for traffic again! Here, one of four work trains sent to implement repairs heads west at Leyden. The train is loaded with large rocks, which presumably will be used in the creation of a new fill.
Email Questions or Comments to the Webmaster.
Posted By Webmaster On Wednesday, September 25, 2013 At 8:30:00 AM (PT)
Hi Ken-
Unfortunately, I doubt I will be able to get any pictures of the washout. Authorities are only allowing UP work crews (and contractors) and residents to get up Plainview Road right now. And the hike to Tunnel 2 from CO-72 would be a LONG one to say the least.
Now, if somebody has a helicopter in the area and are willing to let me ride with them for a quick tour, I could get some pictures posted!
Posted By Ken On Monday, September 23, 2013 At 3:36:29 PM (PT)
