Lucin Cutoff

rail line, Utah, United States

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Article History

Lucin Cutoff, portion of a Southern Pacific rail line built across the Great Salt Lake, Utah, in 1902–04, replacing a much longer part of the original transcontinental railroad that traced around the northern end of the lake. The cutoff bypassed steep grades, including those near Promontory (location of Golden Spike National Historic Site), and sharp curves on the original route between the cities of Ogden and Lucin (the latter city now abandoned). It included a railroad trestle across the lake connecting the two cities; the trestle was replaced in 1959 with an earthen causeway nearly 12 miles (19 km) long, which effectively divides the lake in two.

This article was most recently revised and updated by Lorraine Murray.