Brief History Construction of this railroad started in 1910,
and was used to serve a large quarry near Cool, CA. and haul the limestome mined there to a
connection with the SP at Flint (Auburn),CA. The line used 18 trestles, a large triple
arch concrete bridge, plus a switchback to make this seven mile trip. The
bridge was completed in 1912 by the Pacific Portland Cement Company and service began later
the same year. Just east of there the line crosses CA. State Route 49. On one photo caption,
it is said that this is the only grade crossing in North America where the trains had to
stop for automobiles. Service essentially ended in 1939 and the rails were torn up and scrapped
in 1941 for the war effort.
Much of the roadbed as well as the "No Hands Bridge"
still exists and has been incorporated into the world famous Western States Trail and is used for
hiking and equestrian purposes. Portions toward the Auburn end were completely destroyed during
preparation for construction of the Auburn Dam. Plans being proposed, are the clearing and paving of the
entire length of the line as a multipurpose trail. Currently most of it can be hiked.
The quarry outload site has now been developed as a park.
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Maps and Photos
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