Redlands Junction to Crafton

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This was the most noticable landmark on the SP Redlands branch -- the truss bridge near the interection of Redlands Boulevard and Texas Street. Tracks appeared to be "out of service" when this photo was taken. Photo by Mike Palmer, June, 1984.

This branch line was originally constructed in the 1880s. The branch left the SP main line at Bryn Mawr, also known as Redlands Jct. and headed north for about a mile, parallel to what is now California Ave. It then turned east, parallel to Citrus Ave. It then made a broad S-curve across Redlands Blvd. into downtown Redlands. Just east of downtown it ran parallel to the Santa Fe's Redlands Branch for a mile or so and then headed east to Crafton, where the SP line ended. Most customers were orange growers' packinghouses. The line was gradually cut back starting in the 1960s. By 1984, the tracks ended just past the Orange Ave. grade crossing in downtown Redlands, but the entire line appeared to be out of service by then. As of 2003, some parts of the right-of-way were still traceable. The area near Redlands Jct. is being graded for a housing development.

Thanks to Mike Palmer for contributing information about this route.

ICC Abandonment Filings

SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD
Docket Number: 13881	Date: 8/10/1942	Section: 1
Application of Southern Pacific Railroad Company and of Southern Pacific Company to abandon portion of the Redlands Branch between Grafton and Greenspot a, distance of 1.795 miles within San Bernardino County, California.
Length: 1.795 miles	Citation: 252 ICC 811

SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD
Docket Number: AB 12 Sub 49	Date: 10/19/1976	Section: 1a
Application filed for authority to abandon a line of railroad extending from MP 547.86 near Redlands, 2nd street, in an easterly direction to the end of the branch at MP 551.5' near Crafton, a distance of 3.71 miles In San Bernadino County, Calif. (This Includes the stations of Redlands, 2nd street, and Crafton.)
Length: 3.71 miles	Citation:

I believe this to be part of the old kite line from L.A to Redlands, used in the early 1900's starting out as a narrow gauge. there is history on this line on the internet as the Highland Kite line in San Bernadino, It give all the locations and train stops in San Bernadino, President Teddy Roosevelt used this line when he came to Redlands for a visit.

Glenn Holmes
Artesia , CA
1/12/2011

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i am looking for information about a packing house at the end of the crafton branch north of mentone . there was once a trestle across the river that carried s p tracks to a citrus packing house at rivers edge. can you please tell me the name of P H and any photo thank you 4 all!

robert
sanbernardino, CA
12/23/2011

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