Pudding Creek Train Trestle Rehabilitation
MacKerricher State Park, CA
This picturesque redwood timber train trestle crossing Pudding Creek to MacKerricher State Park built in 1917 for the Union Lumber Co. is uniquely representative of the regional timber industry. Originally built entirely of old growth timbers, the repair of these members as well as use of re-purposed timbers from a Santa Cruz Trestle were key to the project success. The design and retrofit included innovative and unique methods vital to protecting the habitat of endangered species. Helical piles driven through the sand to bedrock provided support in the tidal zone while minimizing disruption of the creek bed. The final surface of Trex decking and use of redwood and stainless steel cable side handrails provide modern durable elements allowing the rehabilitated trestle to serve as a pedestrian and equestrian path yet maintain its historic legacy.
Quick Facts
- Size: 525 feet long
- Architect: California Department of Parks and Recreation
- Site was habitat for several endangered and threatened species and historically used as a Native American “midden” site
- Construction Cost: $3,500,000
- Contractor: Abacus Construction, Inc.
- Heavy equipment was prohibited on the beach due to the protected habitat, so our Senior Engineer used rock climbing equipment to rappel down to inspect the trestle!
Award
- 2007 ASCE - Structural Engineering Institute Award
Photo credit: Buehler Engineering, Inc.
