Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum
... How long was the Transcontinental Railroad in use? I found conflicting information.
—Mary Chen-Johnson
posted from CPRR Discussion Group at 4:50 PM
Discussion Group – Central Pacific Railroad Photographic History Museum
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5 Comments:
The first transcontinental railroad was completed in May, 1869, but portions were in use during the construction.
The entire length of the first transcontinental railroad has been in continuous use from May, 1869 continuing to today.
Also see the FAQ "What was the ... first train or engine that went across the continental United States?"
From: "James Mark French" fireside31298@sbcglobal.net
The orignial Tranacontinental Rail line from Sacramento eastward over Donner Summit and into Nevada and Utah, is still being used by the Union Pacific to this day.
—Mark
Some of these comments are not entirely true, most of the Transcontinental Rail route is still in use; however, the rail from Lucin to Corinne was pulled up in 1942 for the war. Therefore, not all of the original transcontinental line is still in use today.
By saying that the entire length of the first transcontinental railroad has been in continuous use, we certainly don't imply that there have been no changes, just that the first transcontinental railroad has not been abandoned and trains still run from Omaha to Sacramento as they have since May, 1869. Improvements include new tunnels, double tracking, and the Lucin cutoff going across the Great Salt Lake on a causeway instead going north of the lake via Promontory Summit. For more information about the changes see the HISTORIC AMERICAN ENGINEERING RECORD.
For more information about Sierra tunnels not currently in use, and removed track see the related discussion.
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