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Bay Area Wigwags...
 from the past
Martinez
Sears Point


Martinez, Ca.
Then...
click for full view
Berrellessa St. Martinez, 1995. This wigwag was barley clinging to life the last time I saw it here. It barely moved! I think that the railroad caught on, by next year this is what it looked like......
Now...
Yes, it's the same mast and foundation, but it was converted to a highway flasher. You'll notice a new foundation is in place right behind it. As a result of a major creek widening project by the City of Martinez, a temporary bridge is being installed (behind signal), and the line will be relocated a few feet back.
Update 4/00
The new bridge has been completed (in the same location as the old bridge...just longer). This crossing has since been upgraded to flashers and gates.
click for full view


Another view taken during the late 80's. Notice that
the banner has yet to be replaced with a Van Dyke repro.


Sears Point
Then...
click for full view
Another unfortunate recent upgrade occurred here at Sears Point (between Ignacio and Vallejo) on the Northwestern Pacific.Above we see the original signal on a private road leading to a few farm houses. Highway 37 runs just to the left of this photo. I'm guessing that this was Highway 37 before it was widened to 4 lanes many years ago, which means that this signal has been in the same place since the late '20's or '30's.
Now...
As you will see in the photo to the right, the wigwag was removed (early '99) and replaced by two highway flashers. You can also see Highway 37 to the left. The last time I witnessed a NWP freight crossing this spot, the wigwag never budged! The NWP has since been forced to upgrade nearly every crossing on the line as part of a multi phase program to comply with FRA standards. As of this writing (4/00) no trains run on NWP tracks. Extensive track repairs are underway as well. More info on this can be found at the NCRY site, as well as the Northwestern Pacific fan website click for full view
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4/30/99