Work Progressing on Dominion Creek Trestle

Work to ready the Dominion Creek Trestle and Tunnel for public use as part of the Route of the Olympian has continued over the last several weeks, with workers removing ballast boxes from the old railroad grade to prepare it for new decking. The ballast boxes were part of the original construction and were used to hold in place the dirt and gravel that made up the bed of the railroad grade. New decking, made of glue laminated timbers, will now be placed on the trestle. That work is expected to begin in early September.

Work is also progressing to repair concrete on the east trestle abutment. Concrete repairs will also be made on the west abutment and the walls of the adjacent Dominion Tunnel.

Much of the work is being done by heavy equipment, though some manual labor is required also to complete the repairs and reconstruction. The surface of the trestle where ballast boxes were removed, for example, will require some minor cleanup with a steel brush due to corrosion that occurred over the last 100 years.

"This is a unique construction project," said Superior District Ranger Sharon Sweeney. "Working that far off the ground on the narrow trestle has required some very deliberate approaches in getting material to and from the work site and also in just doing the work. But the progress has been excellent. This is work that is going to result in a long-term, very unique recreation experience for the public."

The trestle and tunnel and some adjacent roads remain closed to the public for safety reasons while the work progresses. The closures are expected to remain in place through October 15 this year. Work will resume next year as soon as weather is conducive to construction and will be completed no later than August 31, 2011.

The closure does not affect bike use or vehicle parking for the Route of the Hiawatha.

In addition to the railroad trail, trestle and tunnel, other closures or safety advisories associated with this work include:

Dominion Creek Road (#810) - to be closed during trestle work which is occurring directly above the road. Please contact the Superior Ranger District (406 822-4233) for specific times and dates.

Rainy Creek Road (#506) will be used for a haul route and motorists and recreationists are advised to use caution, drive slowly, and be aware of oncoming heavy truck traffic.

For current information on any of the road work identified above please contact the Superior Ranger District at (406) 822-4233.