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The Santa Fe, Prescott & Phoenix Railway Bridge No. 92 has a long and storied past, deeply intertwined with the development of Prescott, Arizona. Originally constructed in 1893 as part of the expansion of the Santa Fe, Prescott & Phoenix Railway (SF, P&P), this steel truss bridge played a crucial role in connecting Prescott to larger rail networks. It replaced an earlier rail system, the Prescott & Arizona Central Railroad, which had struggled due to poor construction and financial difficulties.
The bridge underwent modifications in 1905 when the SF, P&P railway yard needed expansion. To accommodate these changes, the channel of Granite Creek was redirected, and the bridge was moved westward. A 54-foot extension was added, along with a new trestle on its east end. This relocation ensured the bridge's continued functionality within Prescott’s growing rail infrastructure.
However, the mid-20th century saw the decline of passenger rail service. By 1962, the Prescott line was downgraded to a branch line, and in August 1984, it was officially abandoned. For a time, the bridge was left unused, a relic of Prescott’s railroad past.
Bridge No. 92 is a riveted steel through truss bridge that originally spanned Granite Creek as part of the railroad system. Its steel superstructure, characteristic of early 20th-century railway bridges, showcases sturdy engineering designed to support the heavy loads of locomotives and freight cars. The bridge’s design reflects the industrial ingenuity of its era, with its simple yet robust truss system providing both strength and durability.
The history of Bridge No. 92 took a unique turn in the 1980s when it was repurposed as part of a restaurant space. This early effort at adaptive reuse demonstrated the bridge’s versatility and historical value. Unfortunately, in May 2005, an arson fire destroyed the wooden trestle and ties, leaving the bridge in a state of partial ruin.
Rather than letting this piece of history fade into obscurity, a remarkable restoration effort began. In 2020, the bridge was rehabilitated and transformed into an outdoor pedestrian walkway, linking the newly constructed Hilton Garden Inn with an adjacent event space. The project, completed by Whiting Brothers of Saint Johns, Arizona, is a shining example of how communities can preserve and repurpose historic infrastructure.
Today, the bridge stands as a pedestrian-friendly landmark, seamlessly integrating history with modern urban development. Its revitalization serves as an outstanding model for other communities looking to preserve their own historic bridges. By repurposing Bridge No. 92 in a way that maintains its historical integrity while serving a contemporary function, Prescott has demonstrated how historic infrastructure can be both preserved and utilized in meaningful ways.
The transformation of the Santa Fe, Prescott & Phoenix Railway Bridge No. 92 into a pedestrian bridge is a testament to the power of adaptive reuse. Rather than allowing this historic structure to be lost, Prescott has embraced its heritage, proving that old infrastructure can find new life in modern settings. This project should serve as an inspiration for other communities seeking to balance historical preservation with urban revitalization.
THE HISTORIC SANTA FE, PRESCOTT & PHOENIX RAILWAY BRIDGE NO. 92
The Prescott & Arizona Central Railroad (P&AC) arrived in Prescott from its connection with the main line at Prescott Junction (Seligman), Arizona Territory, on December 31, 1886. Having to meet a deadline, the last of the construction was completed by torchlight due to a lack of funding, poor construction, and service, along with high fees. Along with a lack of equipment, the Prescott & Arizona Central Railroad had a short life. It would be replaced by the Santa Fe, Prescott & Phoenix Railway.
By May 1891, the new Santa Fe, Prescott & Phoenix Railway had been proposed. A bill which provided a liberal tax exemption was passed by the Territorial Legislature, and the Santa Fe, Prescott & Phoenix Railway (the SF, P&P) had been incorporated. The first spike for the SF, P&P was driven at Ash Fork on August 12, 1892.
As the completed track arrived eighteen miles north of Prescott in the spring of 1893, work was underway in town to install a 200-foot-long steel truss bridge and trestle over Granite Creek just west of Montezuma Street. The new depot was to be constructed just east of Granite Creek in the middle of what is now Sheldon Street at Cortez Street. The railroad yard, turntable, and engine house would extend to the north and east of the new depot and Granite Creek.
In April 1893, the Santa Fe, Prescott & Phoenix Railway triumphantly steamed into Prescott over the recently constructed Bridge No. 92 over Granite Creek.
By 1905, the SF, P&P yard at Prescott was expanding. Hemmed in to the south by commercial development, more room was needed to the east and the west. Consequently, a new channel was cut for Granite Creek. The new channel was 80 feet wide and 565 feet long. The bridge was relocated to the west and a 54-foot-long extension was added. A new trestle was constructed on the east end of the bridge. The new Mission-style depot was completed in 1907. In May 2005, the wooden trestle and the ties burned in an arson fire.
In 1962, passenger service to Prescott ceased when a new cutoff was completed, which left Prescott at the terminus of a branch line. The 28-mile branch line was officially abandoned in August 1984.
Today, the Santa Fe, Prescott & Phoenix Railway Bridge No. 92 is a pedestrian bridge restored by Whiting Brothers as part of the revitalization of the Sam Hill Warehouse, park area, and new hotel. The project was completed in 2020.
Funded by The Questers, Thumb Butte and Yavapai Chapters, Prescott, Arizona.
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