Track Work Complete!

7/26/2012

“Done!” Track work at the Museum’s Frisco site was completed today with a ceremonial driving of the last spikes. Borrowing the word that was telegraphed across the nation in 1869 when the first Transcontinental Railway was finished, we are proud to reach this major benchmark in the construction project. Today concludes construction of some 4,000 feet of track as part of Phase 1A construction which allows for movement of the Museum's collection of cars and locomotives to Frisco.

The brief ceremony was well attended at 1:30 this afternoon by Mayor Maso, Frisco City Council Members, representatives of the EDC, CDC, and CVB (see image at right), along with Museum board, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders. Representatives from BNSF, Lunsford Associates, Venus Construction and Trac-Work, Inc. also participated in the celebration.

Two ceremonial spikes were driven in the final stretch of track that connects the Museum with BNSF and the general system. Mayor Maso and Council Members Jeff Cheney, Bob Allen, and Will Sowell took turns driving the first spike. Honors for the second and final spike were reserved for track workers who have been on the job in the hot Texas sun for several weeks. It is only fitting that their hard work be acknowledged, and a time-honored craft on the railroad be recognized.

With the Museum’s lead track now complete, final preparations are underway for movement of the first train to Frisco. Once approvals are in place, and the railroads’ schedules are adjusted to accommodate moves at reduced speeds, the rolling stock collection will begin its journey northward.