Existing comment:
Stop 2: Parallel Construction:
By 1864, changes to the Pacific Railroad Act allowed grading crews to work up to 300 miles ahead of track laying crews. These changes also allowed both railroad companies to receive a portion of their government subsidies for completion of grade, rather than waiting to receive all of their subsidies after track was laid and inspected. Because a meeting point had not been mandated to the companies, they had no incentive to cease construction as their work crews drew closer to one another. Consequently, they built grade past each other for 250 miles. When a meeting point was finally agreed upon, both companies discontinued grading beyond Promontory Summit. Consequently, you will see both complete grade and partially constructed grade throughout the park. You are now walking on what was the Central Pacific's grade. Below you is the Union Pacific's grade. Much like laying the bed of an asphalt road, building the grade took the most time in constructing the transcontinental railroad. |