Whittier Branch - Southern Pacific
This view shows the end of the branch, facing northeast, as of January 2004. The track ends next to the signal; it no longer crosses Burke St. where the semi trailers are parked. The signal is no longer in use; it was for the junction with the La Habra Branch.
The rusted metal "X" (crossing) sign in the foreground likely dates back to the Pacific Electric days.
Photo courtesy Mike Palmer.
This was actually two separate branches prior to 1942, when both Southern Pacific and its subsidiary Pacific Electric each had its own branch to Whittier from the south. SP abandoned much of its line in 1942, and connected the remaining section to the PE branch. The area then abandoned by SP has since been extensively built up with commercial buildings and cannot be traced except with old maps.
The former PE section, from Los Nietos Junction, through Whittier, to the SP section that ended at a hospital, actually remained in place until the late 1980s. The line served packing houses in Whittier; several of the crossings had "wig-wag" signals until the end.
A half-mile stub still exists at the south end of the branch; see photo above. Part of the ex-PE right of way is still open, while another has houses built on it. Most of the packing houses have been replaced by a shopping center. Part of the ex-SP right of way is still in place also, but there are no traces of any sidings.
This photo is from November 1984, and shows one of two crossings of Whittier Blvd. The track might have been out of service by this point.
A drugstore and parking lot are now at this location.
Photo courtesy Mike Palmer.
