Then it hit me: what if I FROZE the track overnight? So I popped it into the freezer, waited 24 hours, then immediately the next day tried the needle noses on the rail. It would not budge. I sighed, and brought it downstairs. Taking my nice new pliers, I tried it again, and the rail slid right out! Not wasting any time, I next did the same thing to the other rail, then used two pieces of Peco Code 83 rail to replace it. Since it's a bit smaller compared to the Walthers rail, it slid in easily. Now I can add ties on the "mainland" as needed and make a gentle transition well away from the bridge itself. Jim was impressed!