The Inter-California Line

Niland to Araz Junction

Home | CA , MX | SP

The Southern Pacific "Inter-Cal" line branched from the SP's Sunset Route at Niland, CA, ran southwards and entered Old Mexico at Calexico, CA/Mexicali, MX. It ran for some 50 miles east and re-entered the U.S./California at Algondones, MX, connecting with the SP Sunset Route at Araz Junction, about 5 miles west of Yuma, AZ. It was this railroad that the SP used to block the flood of water into the Imperial Valley that formed the Salton Sea (253' below sea level) in 1911.

A majority of the line was removed in the 1950s, especially south of the border in Mexico. The line from Niland to the border is still in use by Union Pacific.

It is said that train orders for the line were issued in both Spanish and English.

Old roadbed of Southern Pacific Inter-California line at Union P... — Old roadbed of Southern Pacific Inter-California line at Union Pacific mainline (formerly Southern Pacific Sunset Route) at Araz Junction, CA, just west of Yuma, AZ. The cantilever signal bridge that diverted traffic from the number 2 track onto the Inter-Cal line can be seen in the background. The tracks were removed in the 1950s. Photo by Paul McGuffin, 4/1/2009.

The Inter-Cal line crosses the All-American Canal 1/4 mile west ... — The Inter-Cal line crosses the All-American Canal 1/4 mile west of Araz Junction. Just over a mile away, the line entered Mexico at Algondones and re-entered California some 50 miles later at Mexicali/Calexico. Photo by Paul McGuffin, 4/1/2009.

A hand-drawn map showing the route of the Inter-California line ... — A hand-drawn map showing the route of the Inter-California line through Mexico. Drawn by Paul McGuffin. (Submitted by Paul McGuffin)

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Southern Pacific Railroad
Docket: 20408	11/17/1958	Section: 1(18)
App. for auth. to abandon its line between M. P. 760.693 at the Internat'l, Boundary Line between the Rep. of Mex. and the U.S.A., at or near Cantu, and M. P. 763.388 at or near Araz Junction, a distance of 2.695 mi., together with all sidings, spur tracks and appurtenances, located in Imperial County, Calif.
Length: 2.695 miles	225	Citation: 307 ICC 805

History of the Salton Sea and the Southern Pacific

The Southern Pacific depot at Niland, CA.

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