While it is obvious as to why the Dumbarton Point swing bridge was necessary, other than some absurd and entirely outdated state or federal code that may have demanded it, what in the world would have been the legitimate argument for a Newark Slough swing bridge, rather than just a fixed truss bridge crossing? Looking at the arial of it today, even in 1910 I can't fathom any legitimate justification for SP being demanded that they provide for that channel's commercial or pleasure boat passing.

Another question: Before the California Zephyr's inauguration on March 20, 1949, a promo-trainset was sent to the Embarcadero in SF the day before. (see link: [cruiseexpress.com.au]). I have never heard of a solid confirmation as to how that particular trainset got to SF, but I have always assumed that it was via WP diverting it from Niles over the Dumbarton Bridge, and then up the commute line to SF. Can anyone confirm or deny this?