The approach to the Rogers Pass from the east crosses over several steep gorges that have been carved through the mountains by the creeks that drain the area.
The C.P.R construction crews started work in the area after the survey work was completed and the building of bridges was of a high priority. The original structures were mostly made of timber, as trees were readily available, and construction was cheaper than using steel or masonry work. As time many of the original bridges were improved or rebuilt.
Note: small images are links to large ones, the large image links back to this page.
This is the first 
bridge constructed over Surprise Creek 1885. Built of timbe it was 406 feet long and 180 feet above the creek. During 1886 this bridge caught fire during a large forest fire, however track crews were able to save. Water barrels were kept filled along all timber bridges as fire was common because of the sparks from the wheels and smokestacks of the locomotives.
Work on this steel bridge was started in 1896 to replace the first bridge over surprise creek. The second bridge was built next to the original on the downstream side. A single steel arch construction was used in the center section of 290 feet in length, and one steel span on each end completed the 453 foot bridge.
In January 1929 the west steel span of the Surprise Creek bridge collapsed while two pusher engines were returning to Beavermouth. Two Men lost their lives in this wreck. The engine shown here was cut up and removed from the creek bed. It was eventually rebuilt for service. Luckily for the railroad, construction of a third bridge over the Surprise Creek that would be able to handle heavier loads was already underway at the sight of the original bridge. The piers and abutments were already built and the steelwork, ties, and rails were installed in seventeen days at the height of winter to get the line reopened to traffic as quickly a possible.
This is the 
third and final bridge built over Surprise Creek, finished in 1929. It rests on cement piers with steel spans. Concrete decks were added in 1975 to replace the original wooden ties. This photograph was taken May 30, 1995 from a position along the Trans-Canada Highway. It is clear to see that the forests have re-grown and the location of the bridge supports the name of the creek.
Cascade Creek bridge near the summit of the line over the pass. On the left is the bridge sortly after constuction in 1898 to replace a timber bridge. On the right is the view from the Trans-Canada highway of the bridge in 1995.
