Replacement work on destroyed Winona trestle begins

WINONA — Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) is progressing in replacing the Winona wooden rail bridge destroyed in the Winona Fire on Saturday, Aug. 19.

WSDOT Rail, Freight, and Ports Spokeswoman Janet Matkin said that the replacement of that bridge indicates how important the Palouse River and Coulee Shortline Railroad (PCC) is to Eastern Washington. “The loss of that bridge disrupted rail service through Whitman County,” she said, adding that some products had to be shipped by truck since the railroad was unavailable.

Matkin said the project costs between $2.8 and $3.2 million.

“We’re working very hard to get that bridge replaced as quickly as possible,” Matkin said, noting that they hope to have it up and operating by the end of October.

WSDOT reports that they have the site cleared, including removing debris from the creek, and a large crane was transported to the site for pile driving last week, beginning on Friday, Sept. 22.

WSDOT has a temporary stream crossing constructed, and construction of the replacement bridge has already started, with 24 to 34 piles driven.

WSDOT reports WATCO has already constructed rail panels to be installed on top of the concrete structure.

The 200 foot wooden trestle bridge carries approximately 2,600 cars annually to deliver agriculture products.