BARRETT BRIDGE

The once magnificent Barrett Bridge when built as part of the relocation of the YVRR was one of the highest railroad bridges in the United States. But after the railroad was abandoned the bridge only served as a monument to the once proud railroad that it served. As stated on the Bagby page this bridge as the Bagby community would be submerged when the enlarged Lake McClure filed. It would have been a hazard to recreational navigation on the water. A contract was let, to remove the bridge, but it seems the contractors calculations were incorrect and as a result the steel portion of the structure was not floated ashore for scrapping. The ugly mess as seen in these photographs lingered for some years.

Photo: Merced Irrigation District The partially submerged steel section of the Barrett bridge on the right. The tall piers stand in the lake.

Photo: Merced Irrigation District Same as above except on lower left one of the recreational facilities on Lake McClure.

A note regarding Barrett Station. The depot building was purchase by Henry Wood, former master mechanic of the YVRR, he and his wife both enjoyed fishing and they used it as their "fishing cabin." In the general area Jack Shoup, former YV engineer, built a cabin for like purposes. Royal Laird also built a cabin further west on the YVRR right of way at a location nick named "Rattle Snake Point." These people continued to spend weekends in the area until their properties were condemned because of the raising of the lake level. Their structures were torn down.