Crews are in the process of tearing down a piece of railway history on the province’s west coast.

The Gut Bridge, which sits between Stephenville Crossing and Mattis Point, was originally built in 1943 and was a pivotal link for the railroad industry, transporting goods and people to communities throughout the province.

The bridge was closed off after railway operations in Newfoundland ended in the 1980s, but served as the trademark image of Bay St. George in the years that followed.

In 2023, the province deemed the original gut bridge had become a safety concern due to deterioration, and ordered for it to be removed.

The first half of the bridge plunged into the waters over the weekend, but now crews must work to pull the structure out of the thick sand that lies underneath.

Given its history as both a landmark and significant railroad structure, Stephenville Crossing mayor Lisa Lucas says they’ve been assured they will receive a piece of the bridge to put on display.