Southern Pacific Railroad, Pecos River Bridge, Spanning Pecos River at Southern Pacific Railroad, Langtry, Val Verde County, TX

Significance: The Pecos River gorge has been the location of two of the world's highest bridges: the 1892 Pecos Viaduct and the current structure, its 1944 successor. Increased traffic during World War II necessitated the replacement of this critical link on a major east-west railroad. Though built under material and labor constraints cased by the war, this 1390'-6"-long continuous steel cantilever truss' austere design is nonetheless in harmony with its remote desert setting. The Pecos River High Bridge is also significant for technical achievements, such as its 275'-high slip-formed concrete piers.

Survey number: HAER TX-75

langtry pacific railroad southern pacific railroad pecos bridge pecos river bridge pecos river val verde val verde county texas southern pacific railroad company historic american engineering record photo ultra high resolution high resolution library of congress

1969 - 1980

Library of Congress

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