BNSF Railroad Bridge (1908) — Attraction in Portland

This bridge is not open to the public. I worked on this bridge for the Burlington Northern Railroad from 1973 to 1991and it was like being the Maytag Repairman, "the loneliest man in town". It has to be one of the greatest river views in Portland. It was a trip being out there over the Willamette River, five nights a week for 52 weeks a year. I was always amazed at the utterly bizarre things that happen and that you see happening while sitting in that tower. If you do go past the NO TRESPASSING signs and go out on the bridge, remember that trains can move in either direction on either of the two tracks. And you won't like it if you are out on the bridge's walkway (between the 2 track's) when two trains are speeding and rumbling past you as they highball across the bridge. There isn't enough clearance in-between the tracks when two trains are going across, get to the side of the bridge behind one of the steel pillars if you don't want to be road kill (or should I say RAILROAD kill). BTW, a train did run off the West end of the bridge while the bridge was open. That occurred on the night of December 31st, 1983. It wasn't a happy New Year for the two train crew, it killed both crew member's and the engine sank to the bottom...

St. Johns Railroad Bridge or the Willamette River Railroad Bridge.

There is a Bridge Operator working 24/7. Contact by Marine Tranceiver or mobile phone. ( if You pilot a vessel large enough to need a bridge lift, You will know the numbers.)

The Bridge Operators, lift the bridge when Your Boat / Ship , is too tall to fit undneath. Unless there is a Train using the bridge, Thay are pretty quick about it. Also they will let You know an ETA, for a train using the bridge, so You can adjust Your...

Stupid old bridge. Burlington Northern is too cheap to build a brand new bridge. I wish Amtrak had their own tracks instead of using Burlington Northern ones. Sitting on Amtrak for 2 1/2 hours. Currently waiting for the Oregon...