From the "Spokane Chronicle."
February 28, 1957
Great Northern bridge crews were reported winning their battle with rampaging Crab creek in the Wilson Creek area today, and westbound mainline freight moved out of Hillyard this morning for the first time in two days.
About 25 feet of the Crab creek railroad bridge approaches were washed out before rock revetments could be built up to protect the tracks. Cascade division officials said the mainline would be restored to use today.
Passengers, baggage and express were being transported from Wilson Creek to Spokane and Odessa by bus and trucks yesterday.
Other railroad also are having high water problems in the area, dispatchers and division superintendents reported.
The Northern Pacific is plagued with a number of washouts on its Washington Central branch between Cheney and Coulee city.
Crews today were patching the right of way with gravel and also have been replacing piling on some small bridges. George L. Slorah, division superintendent, was making an inspection tour today. He said the main line was not threatened.
