Pecos River Crossings

When the pioneers were building the Southern Pacific Railway in the early 1880's they were presented with a challenge by the canyon that the Pecos river had cut across their path. They had to make many switchbacks and tunnels down to the river and the same up the other side. Later they build what is known as the Pecos High Bridge over the entire canyon from wall to wall. It became a very famous bridge for its height and length. In 1944 they rebuilt the bridge to strengthen it to handle the heavy war materials the railway was carrying. They were allowed to use scarce materials as it was so important.

Later when they built the highway bridge they built another Pecos High bridge for the vehicles to use.

Click on the pictures to get a larger view.














This is a picture of the Highway bridge taken to the north from the overlook.
The river level is a lot higher here now because of the water backed up by the Amistad Dam










This is a telephoto shot of the Railway bridge. Could not get closer.


















This is a look to the south to the confluence of the Pecos and the Rio Grande rivers.