Union Pacific bridge restoration in Lincoln after fire

Union Pacific bridge restoration returned a downtown Lincoln, Nebraska, freight-rail bridge to service. Also, the bridge had been damaged in a Feb. 23 fire. Meanwhile, as reported by Progressive Railroading, UP said crews worked around the clock. They finished the project in just over a week.

Union Pacific bridge restoration after the Lincoln fire

Separately, a local news report said Lincoln Fire and Rescue had determined the cause. For example, Lincoln Fire and Rescue said an unattended campfire caused the fire. At the same time, UP described the bridge in a press release from Union Pacific. The 127-year-old steel and timber bridge spans Salt Creek. Still, UP called it a key rail crossing.

Lincoln, Nebraska rail bridge repair work

In addition, UP and contractor crews demolished timber sections. They replaced them with concrete spans. Also, they drove new rail piles. Meanwhile, they repositioned the truss. They installed track panels and ballast. Still, they reinforced the structure. For example, the work required a 300-ton crane on site. It arrived in 16 semitruck loads. At the same time, crews used it to reposition the steel truss.

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Freight-rail bridge service restored

Separately, the bridge is now fully operational. It is back to serving freight trains. “Eight days later, our teams safely put this bridge back in service,” said Eric Gehringer, executive vice president of operations. “It’s an incredible accomplishment and a testament to the expertise, determination and safety mindset of our people working through a complex operation.”

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