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The Steepest Grade
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Transcript
You are now descending the steepest mile of railroad in Utah. The Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 authorized construction of and stipulated that grades were not to exceed 2.2%, or 116 feet of elevation per mile. This stretch measures 1.7% or 90 feet per mile, a hard pull for steam locomotives of the day. Yet, in the entire 1,776 miles of the transcontinental railroad, the grade seldom exceeded 1.5%.
After the line was completed, the Central Pacific stationed "helper" locomotives at the base of the grade to assist heavy trains up the hill.
Descriptive Transcript
You are now descending the steepest mile of railroad in Utah. Gravel road through green, yellow and brown sagebrush landscapes. Low lying mountain range in distance.
Description
You are now descending the steepest mile of railroad in Utah. The Pacific Railroad Act of 1862 authorized construction of and stipulated that grades were not to exceed 2.2%, or 116 feet of elevation per mile. This stretch measures 1.7% or 90 feet per mile, a hard pull for steam locomotives of the day. Yet, in the entire 1,776 miles of the transcontinental railroad, the grade seldom exceeded 1.5%.
Credit
Nicki Castoro
Date Created
04/12/2025
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