COLORADO SPRINGS — After many years of research, planning, and construction, the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway is just months away from re-opening.
Back in 2017, the 130-year-old railway that took passengers all the way up to the summit, closed.
"The costs were rising so quickly we had a lot of old equipment a lot of out of date track," said Spencer Wren, Cog Railway GM.
However after one year, Wren says there was discussion to rebuild the track, and to construct what was missed.
"We took a long hard look at everything because it is such an expensive project," said Wren.
Construction began in march of 2019, to bring back the unique train ride experience.
"We are taking something old and making it new. We still want it to create the same memories as it has done for generations," said Ted Johnston, assistant GM.
Johnston says the railway will have new tracks, infrastructure, trains, and a depot facility.
"We are not reinventing but renovating the experience here," said Johnston.
Johnston says while there were quite a few setbacks in 2020, they wouldn't be this far along today without the focus and determination of his team.
"We put our heads down and got through it. We knew we had to get it done and once we realized the height of the pandemic, what it was really doing, we recognized that getting this done and open would be very important for this region," said Johnston.
The opening day is planned for May 1, 2021
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