Huntsville, HMCRA Enter Funding Agreement for Aldridge Creek Rail Bridge Replacement
Written by Jennifer McLawhorn, Managing Editor
Huntsville Madison County Railroad Authority
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - The City of Huntsville has entered into a funding agreement with Huntsville-Madison County Railroad Authority (HMCRA) to replace the Aldridge Creek railroad bridge.
According to the City of Huntsville, it will contribute $800,000 to the project after approval last Thursday night. As part of the project, crews will replace the existing structure, resurface 13.25 track miles, install new cross ties, construct an estimated 7,115 feet of new siding capacity, and add 100 feet to an existing trainload track. This will reportedly improve safety to both highway and rail users, says the City.
The total cost of the project is $6,320,200 with remaining funds to be paid for by the HMCRA, Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and a 2022 FRA Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant. Previously, the HMCRA was reportedly awarded a $3,467,110 CRISI grant to “assist in providing safety, efficiency and capacity improvement to the existing railway,” which is owned by the HMCRA.
In July, the rail bridge collapsed over Aldridge Creek, sending two railcars into the water below. The bridge was already scheduled for replacement, says WAFF, due to its age and condition. Shortly after, the HMCRA sent a final notice and public explanation of proposed activity in the area. Because of the bridge’s location and ability to connect freight movement along the corridor, relocation was considered to be “impracticable” because of the fixed alignment of the rail corridor along with costs and developed properties located on either side of the right-of-way.
Alternatives including a “no action” alternative, which would sever rail service and lead to larger, negative impacts, were dismissed. These other alternatives included a partial replacement or temporary bypass which were dismissed because they would not meet the necessary standards and requirements for long-term service.
The new structure will be designed to meet FEMA hydraulic criteria and obtain a NO-Rise Certification, says HMCRA. Impacts from construction will be minimized by “confining work to the smallest practicable footprint,” and using erosion and sediment controls, preserving native vegetation, and restoring any disturbed areas.
