Muir Trestle

The Muir Trestle, or Alhambra Trestle, is a railway trestle bridge in Martinez, California located within the John Muir [National Historic Site]. It is owned and operated by BNSF Railway and carries their Stockton Subdivision.

History

In 1897, for the sum of $10 in gold, John Muir and Louisa Muir ceded a right of way to the San Francisco and [San Joaquin Valley Railroad]. The agreement describes the land upon which a trestle bridge was to be located: through a pear orchard. The span was completed in 1899. A passenger station was located at the eastern approach.

Design

The trestle is of steel construction resting on concrete piers, carrying a single set of railroad tracks. It spans in length, above the Alhambra Valley. The western approach feeds directly into the line's Tunnel Number 4.