The original Transcontinental Railroad was completed in 1869 at Promontory Point, just north of the Great Salt Lake.

Promontory Point is a mountainous area, and the railroad had steep inclines and dangerous curves, creating a chokepoint in the Transcontinental Railroad.

In 1904, the Lucin Cut-Off trestle bridge was completed, creating a straight and level shortcut bypassing the mountains of Promontory Point.

The bridge was constructed from old-growth trees driven into the lake bed.

Where the Great Salt Lake was at its deepest, the pilings were over 100 feet tall.

The Lucin Cut-Off was an integral part of the Transcontinental Railroad until it was replaced by a solid causeway after World War II.

After all the metal bolts have been removed, the salvaged timbers are cut to rough dimension with a band saw.  After being immersed in the Great Salt Lake for more than 60 years, the old-growth timbers are nearly as hard as iron, and more resistant to fire.

The rough timbers are hand finished in the shop.  Rust from the iron bolts, and salt from the Great Salt Lake give the finished timbers a unique appearance.