Union Pacific repairs Dry Creek Bridge a month ahead of schedule

A UP train crosses the recently repaired Dry Creek Bridge near Weed, California. The bridge was damaged in the Lava Fire. (Image: Union Pacific)

WEED, Calif. - The Dry Creek Bridge serving Union Pacific’s west coast mainline was severely damaged in the Lava Fire that has burned over 26,000 acres north of Weed, California. Early repair estimates were placed to reopen the line in September. Yet, UP has been able to complete the repairs a month ahead of schedule.

“We continue to make progress restoring service to our Dry Canyon Bridge north of Redding, California. Thanks to the dedication of our Engineering and Operating teams, who have been working around the clock to restore service, we have moved the estimated reopening date from mid-August to early August,” said Union Pacific in an announcement to customers.

“Although service across the bridge will be restored soon, we expect to see continued transit delays over the next few weeks as we reposition resources. We plan to stage inbound trains at strategic locations to assist in working off the backlog of trains, which will help expedite delivery to customers once the bridge has reopened,” added Union Pacific.