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The most impressive structure on the railroad is located between Mile
Post 13.7 and 13.9: the Neches River Bridge. At 280 feet, the Neches
crossing is the lowest point on the railroad. The bridge is 1,050 feet
in length and stands 35 feet above the river bed.
The original bridge was a traditional wood-pile trestle. The Texas Parks
& Wildlife Department constructed modern concrete bridges across the
entire railroad in the 1970’s and ‘80’s. The new Neches bridge went up
in 1980. While not as visually attractive as wood, concrete will last
far longer in the damp conditions of East Texas. And, this imposing
structure is attractive in it’s own way.
Just south of the Neches Crossing, there was a ferry operation run by
Ben Canon from 1848 – 1851. A toll bridge replaced the ferry and
operated until 1924.
On the east side of the river, the Texas Southeastern Railroad (owned by
the Southern Pine Lumber Company) once connected to the Texas State. The
TSE line ran south to the logging town of Fastrill and then on to
Diboll. The Southern Pine Lumber Company had logging land on the both
sides on the Neches and used the Texas State trestle to cross over. In
later years, TSE trains ran from here to Maydelle on Texas State rails
to deliver lumber products. |
