5th C&O Canal Crossing/B161.0

This section of the abandoned WM will mostly likely never again see rails nor even a railtrail. This section of right-of-way has been seperated by two major obsticles. The first being the new Warrior Run Power Plant that has been placed atop the right-of-way between here and North Branch. The second major opsticle is the Cumberland Municipal Airport. After the majority of the West Sub was abandoned in May 1975, the section of the WM between North Branch and the yards at Cumberland still remain in service up until Januray 1976. This remaining section was abandoned to construct a new runway at the airport. Welton Tunnel was sealed at both ends with cinder blocks and the eastern approach was filled in for the runway. It stayed this way for a long time until recently when the airport was forced to cover over the remaining right-of-way and east portal due to new FAA regulations. Before this the airport manager said that the east portal was down in the deep cut hidden from view as a result of trees on the right-of-way.

Atop the fill near the Mexico Farms Airfield. This photo is looking west towards the river. The right-of-way east and west or this particular location is grown up with brush. This area is cut down as a result of airplanes that fly over this section of the old WM as they attempt to take off or land. (4/26/01)

This is the WM fill that can be seen at Mexico Farms, between the 7th crossing and the WM bridge over the C&O Canal at the B161.0. The Mexico Farms Airfield is to the left of the fill. The second photo is from the road crossing just east of the fill. The WM crossed this road just after crossing the C&O Canal. From here the WM ran west to the Potomac River. (3/02 and 4/01)

Looking east from the west side of former WM bridge No. 161.0 When this photo was taken the original bridge warning sign still stood in good shape. This sign reads "WARNING KEEP OFF THE BRIDGE". Today I bet the sign is gone, having most likely been stolen by a railfan. (4/25/93)

The former bridge over the C&O Canal and later Mexico Farms Road, pictured in March 1987. This is the 4th crossing of the C&O Canal west of Hancock, Md. The rails still appear to be intact in this photo. It is believed they removed it some time later. (Brian Paulus photo)

The WM once crossed Mexico Farms Road here on a bridge. The WM crossed the C&O Canal also which intersects with the road here. The second photo is from the eastern side of the former bridge looking west. A few rails still remain. (4/25/93)

This is the cut just east of the bridge at Mexico Farms. Today the cut has been filled completely in for part of the new Warrior Run Power Plant. The power plant now sits directly over top the right-of-way. (4/25/93 and 7/96)

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