CSX on bridge: ‘Accelerated and permanent repairs’ will take place by year’s end

David C. Lester

CSX has reached out to RT&S with a response to the rail bridge on the Hudson River in New York.

The span has received some attention lately about its condition, most recently from Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).

“At CSX, safety is our highest priority,” said CSX Director, Media Relations & Public Affairs Cindy Schild. “Bridge infrastructure across our network is regularly inspected and maintained in accordance with CSX policies, which meet or exceed federal regulations. We moved quickly to ensure a fix was put in place to provide structural support for the bridge after conducting a routine CSX inspection last year. We had also already accelerated permanent repairs which are planned to take place by year’s end.”

Schumer wants immediate inspection and repair of the bridge, which currently has temporary supports. He wants the Federal Railroad Administration to lead the safety check. Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro talked about a similar concern last month.

The CSX rail bridge carries several freight trains a day, and some of them are pulling hazardous materials. Over 100,000 residents in Duchess and Ulster counties depend on the Hudson River for drinking water.

Read more articles on rail bridges.