Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Use for concrete railroad ties

Hey everyone,

We just finished a little project at our LMB/BG pond using concrete railroad ties. It seems the Railroads (Union Pacific and Burlington Northern) have a difficult time disposing of damaged concrete ties. The price is reasonable ($4 each) if one can find a use for them and wants to pay the transportation costs. Ties weigh in at about 650 lbs. each! My son helped me construct a small bridge crossing with about 34 of the heavy brutes. It is darn sure durable, permanent, and really not too unattractive.

Ya know Ed, I don't think I have seen a pic from your ranch that wasn't a slice of nature's nirvana. Those could be 650# sticks of cow dung and they would look great against that background ( altho you would probably want to stay off of 'em after a heavy rain)

Smart use of material. Very smart. How did you find out about them? Do they use those type of ties everywhere in the country? I could use some of them for a creek crossing just like you did and I could see using them for pond structure.

These ties are not that difficult to get ahold of. I guess pre stressed concrete ties are the material of choice when and where there is a lot of heavy train traffic, (ie. coal trains).

The problem the railroad has is they do not have an economic way to dispose of damaged ties. Cost a lot of money to place in land fills. Also not the demand that wooden ties have by the public.

They also have 20 ft. concrete switch ties......but who can handle them?


Thanks B-ski for comments.

I have had a long time dream to build a trail around fish ponds for easy access and sight-seeing. Its a pain to sometimes go through several gates and pastures to access a pond.

Trail will accomodate ATV's, horses, Mtn. bikes and walking. The idea is to keep it small, not real obtrusive and enjoyable. Full size pickups can ruin the "ambiance", if you know what I mean.

Ed

That really is a nice looking place, and a sturdy looking bridge... 650lbs apiece sure is weighty... how's the back?