The Pikes Peak Cog Railway’s Return Is Underway
Over $100 million in parts and equipment have been ordered for the project.
The famous Broadmoor Pikes Peak Cog Railway shut down operation back in the fall of 2017. At the time there was little hope the famous railway would return. It appears now it will. Broadmoor Hotel officials have reached an agreement with the city of Manitou Springs to invest $100 million to rebuild the attraction. The plan is to have the railway ready to start hauling visitors to the top of Pikes Peak by Memorial Day weekend 2021.
When they said "rebuild" the railway they mean it. An order of over $100 million dollars has been placed with one of the only two manufacturers in the world of these types of trains. The order included three new engines, nine passenger cars, and a cog-rail snow removal system all from the Switzerland-based company.
Installation of the new rail system will be a monumental task. These new trains use a different kind of track than what's currently running up the mountain. So all the track will have to be replaced. Also too, that tracks wind through forest land, with no outside road access. That means all the materials will have to be taken up by train a section at a time as they work their way to the top of Pike's Peak.
Credit: Out There Colorado