Every time I see this location, I just don't get the point of the crossover.
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Cool shot, Craig.
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The crossover was constructed decades ago - in the days of steam - in order to enable trains to operate "left-handed" down Cajon Pass, as one of the mainlines had a grade more suitable to downhill operations. This crossover eliminated the need for dispatchers to line switches, and hold traffic in the process, on a busy line.
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Joe, the Santa Fe ran their trains down Cajon Pass traditionally on the left hand track or the "South Main" because it was the steeper of the two grades. That way trains going up Cajon Pass could utilize the less steep grade of the "North Track". This fly-over or as its more known to railfans as the "Natural Crossover" eliminates a very busy bottle neck for the dispatcher since trains would have to crossover before descending Cajon Pass or after they completed their climb out of the pass. As demonstrated in the picture, a west bound train could crossover an east bound train without the need for either train to stop for the other. With the addition of the third main in Cajon in 2008, the tradition pretty much only changed with most trains still running "Left-hand Rule" but now on mains 1 and 2 and the old "South Track" used when traffic is very busy. So the "Natural Crossover" is still a necessity. Hope that explanation is clear for you. Another great photo Craig.
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A nice catch at an oft-photographed location!
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Nice catch!
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