“‘No Hands Bridge’ becomes landmark” -Mountain Democrat

“No Hands” Bridge – Photo by Pat Dollins

The Mountain Quarries Railroad Bridge on the El Dorado and Placer county line just hit a new milestone – it turned 102 years old! For its birthday on March 23rd it officially became an official California historical landmark. (Mountain Democrat article.)

I had seen this bridge for years while traveling up and down Highway 49 and wondered if it ever was a railroad bridge. One day I stumbled upon John Barnhill’s “Foothill Rails” website and my questions were answered.

This former railroad bridge has miraculously survived several major floods and the effects of time to still be standing today. It needed substantial repairs to make it safe to use as a trail and it now serves that purpose today. A cermony was held by El Dorado County on Sunday, honoring the bridge and its new historical designation.