From the C&T website:

July 1, 2010

CHAMA, N.M. – Structural shortcomings on the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad’s Lobato Trestle, damaged recently by fire, may dictate that complete replacement of the span is the most prudent repair, according to the structural engineers called in to consult on the situation.
“They said that the most prudent course of action would be to replace the entire thing, but we are still exploring less extreme alternatives,” said Elmer Salazar, president and CEO of the C&TSRR Management Company. “It is not yet clear whether this recommendation is based on damage from the fire, or from the general condition and design of this almost century-old structure.”
In the event the entire structure had to be replaced, the trestle would likely be out of service for the balance of the summer season. Salazar said consultation among Management Company officials and the engineering firm were continuing.


In the meantime, a locomotive and passenger cars were being moved by truck from the Chama Depot to Cumbres Station, on the north side of the damaged trestle. Regular service from that point on to Osier and Antonito, Colo., will commence next week, with bus service for passengers from the Chama Depot to Cumbres.


“We would prefer the quicker solution of replacing the roadbed on the existing steel trestle framework, as that approach would take a vastly shorter time to complete repairs,” Salazar said. “However, the long-term safety and adequacy of the trestle is the primary concern -- and if those considerations dictate a necessity to replace the whole thing, we will do it.”
The C&TSRR has insurance on the trestle, but it features a $50,000 deductible and is limited to a total of $360,000 – likely insufficient to cover the cost of a total replacement.


Tim Tennant, vice president of the Management Company and president of the nonprofit Friends of the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, said aficionados are already lining up to support the rebuilding of the trestle. “We have established a separate account, the Lobato Trestle Fund, care of Friends of the Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, to assist in raising funds for the restoration,” Tennant said. “Interested persons can send contributions to that fund, care of Friends, 6005 Osuna Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109.”