High Level Bridge at Lethbridge CARL2 Traditional Cache
Cache Effect: The cache owner is not responding to issues with this geocache, so I must regretfully archive it.
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High Level Bridge at Lethbridge CARL2
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Difficulty:
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Size: 
(small)
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This is a cache for the CARL2 event and should not be sought out until after 6:00 pm on June 18th and any logs before that will be deleted. Easy walk up cache, but please go see the plaque too that is just 30 feet away from cache. It is a small canister type container with pencil and a logbook and trading items in it.
It is a nice view from here of the bridge. You looking from the south side of it and kind of down and to the west. But there is an other cache (High Level Bridge GC1HMGP) from an other local cacher on the other side and the other end of the bridge. Make sure you go check that one out too if you did not yet. Because it is an other nice view of the bridge from there too. Once you are at that other cache, you are looking up to it from the north and to the east. This structure soaring above the Oldman River and the Indian Battle Park in Lethbridge, the high-level railway bridge looms over the landscape.
The CPR bridge is the longest and highest trestle bridge in the world reaching 5,327.625 feet (1.6km) in length and 314 feet in height.
The 1909 completion of this bridge was designated by the Canadian federal government in 2005 as a "National Historic Event"
Travelocity has dubbed this a "must see" attraction.
The original construction was completed in 1909.
The railway was a critical component of the settlement and development of Canada, and particularly for Western Canada. Vast distances had to be traveled across the open prairies. At first travel was only by horseback and Red River cart. Then the railways opened up much faster, safer transportation for settlers, trade goods and raw materials.
The discovery of coal in the river valley forged a new townsite. Coalbanks started as a small mining community in the River bottom, and after several floods was later moved up to the top of the coulees and ultimately became the thriving city of Lethbridge.
Coal was a very important industry for the area. Initially coal was transported by barges navigating the Belly River (now called the "Oldman River") The railway was key to providing efficient shipping of the coal safely year-round.
However as the rail lines expanded, there were still numerous difficulties to deal with. The geography posed significant barriers. While one often thinks of the prairies as completely flat expanses, the glaciers (and subsequently the rivers) carved deep winding paths across the flat prairie. Known locally as "Coulees", these river crossings required numerous, and expensive bridges to be built. These were initially constructed of wood, and required ongoing maintenance and repair as they aged. The rail line to Fort Macleod also had many twisting curves which also put limitations and mechanical strain on the rolling stock.
To alleviate these issues it was determined that a large bridge through the river valley at Coalbanks (now Lethbridge) could create a more direct and stronger connection to the East and the Western slopes.
Planning began in the late 1890's. Engineers worked several years and special equipment was designed and brought in. Construction began in August of 1908. Engineers and Construction crews faced many challenges including a flood in 1908. But the new line with this viaduct across the Belly River, eliminated the need for 20 wooden bridges that had been previously used. It cost an incredible $1,334,525.00 to build, and was at the time dubbed "one of the wonders of the world."
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Lbh ner abg tbvat gb arrq bar !!!
Treasures
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