1924 Cumbres & Toltec/Denver & Rio Grande Bridge over Rio Chama in Chama, NM River

(Archived Bridge Hutner was broke; Bridge Hunter; no Historic Bridges; Satellite)

This is not how I like to learn about truss bridges.

Nov 1, 2026, flood

Anita Vargas posted

Damage just about everywhere 

This  is the Cumbres &Toltec RR 

. Better known as the ol town "train bridge” 

Credit to John Beaver

Peter Kilfoyle: Is that the working trestle? Or should I say the former working trestle?

Rob Meredith commented on Peter's comment

My guess is that Anita's photos are from the west bank because the abutment is on the outside curve of the river. The current of a river is strongest by the outside curve.In fact, some rivers will build a sandbar on the inside curve.

Satellite

They did line the bank with some big rocks to try to avoid erosion of the bank, but they did not do the job. Fortunately, the abutment did do its job and continued to hold the truss in place.

Tim McCain posted video @ 0:55

Note the big rocks on the right.

2014 photo by Royce and Bobette Haley via Bridge Hunter

Even though it was built in the 1920s, it is pin connected.

2014 photo by Royce and Bobette Haley via Bridge Hunter

The main road in town was closed by the flood.

Satellite