Redlands Branch - Southern Pacific

This branch line was originally constructed in the 1880s. The branch left the SP main line at Bryn Mawr, also known as Redlands Jct. and headed north for about a mile, parallel to what is now California Ave.  It then turned east, parallel to Citrus Ave. It then made a broad S-curve across Redlands Blvd. into downtown Redlands.  Just east of downtown it ran parallel to the Santa Fe's Redlands Branch for a mile or so and then headed east to Crafton, where the SP line ended.  Most customers were orange growers' packinghouses.

The line was gradually cut back starting in the 1960s. By 1984, the tracks ended just past the Orange Ave. grade crossing in downtown Redlands, but the entire line appeared to be out of service by then. 

As of 2003, some parts of the right-of-way were still traceable.  The area near Redlands Jct. is being graded for a housing development.

This was the most noticable landmark on the SP Redlands branch -- the truss bridge near the interection of Redlands Blvd. and Texas Street. Tracks appeared to be "out of service" in June 1984 when this photo was taken.  Picture at right was taken April 2003.

Thanks to Mike Palmer for the information  and pictures on this page.

Two abandoned lines in one photo: the out-of-service section of the BNSF (Santa Fe) Redlands branch is at left.  The SP Redlands branch r-o-w is at right, note the cement bridge supports.  This location is at Lincoln Ave. and Sylvan Dr. facing east.  Mt. San Gorgonio appears over the BNSF crossbuck.  April 2003.

Remnant of track at the end of the Redlands branch.  This is at Crafton, facing west, near the intersection of Crafton Ave. and Colton Ave. This segment of track is in a driveway for an irrigation supply business. April 2003.