(Cleveland) - City administration and City Council say railroad bridge conditions were one of several areas of concern identified during City Council’s rail safety informational hearing, held in March.
The City has conducted a review of the railroad bridges and found 23 that are considered critical because of various failings, including abutments, retaining walls, concrete column disintegration, and other serious problems. (Click here for that list.) Though rail infrastructure is not the responsibility of the City of Cleveland, City Council and the Mayor recognize sound infrastructure is critical for safety. The findings will be submitted to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). In addition, the City will package and deliver its findings directly to the railroad companies. Finally, the City will continue to work in close coordination with its U.S. Congressional delegation, including the offices of Senator Sherrod Brown and Congresswoman Shontel Brown (D-11). Senator Brown has directly called on the three of the largest Class 1 Railways operating in Ohio to address infrastructure concerns.
The rail infrastructure conditions survey is part of continuing advocacy and work being done to improve rail safety in Cleveland. In March 2023, City Council passed a rail safety resolution (No. 340-2023), calling on Congress and the Ohio General Assembly to “enact legislation to further protect the citizens of the City of Cleveland from the inherent dangers of a train derailment on the tracks located in our City.” The Ohio General Assembly recently passed House Bill 23 (Transportation Budget), which requires two-person rail crews on trains and strengthens requirements for wayside detectors, which are rail devices that can detect problems in passing trains. Additionally, efforts are continuing to advocate for the Railway Safety Act of 2023, which is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance.
“Cleveland City Council continues to take rail safety extremely seriously, and these rail infrastructure findings are one step in that process. Our March rail safety informational hearing was an important launching point, and we intend to keep the community updated about our ongoing efforts,” said Councilwoman Jenny Spencer.
The Lake Avenue bridge in Councilwoman Spencer’s ward has received a good deal of direct attention, although Spencer states that she continues to await updates from Norfolk Southern.
Keshia Chambers, Assistant Director in the Mayor’s Office of Capital Projects shared, “The railroads have been a part of the Cleveland landscape for over 100 years. They have contributed to the industrial and commercial growth of the region. Now, we need them to contribute to ensuring the safety of our residents by making a commitment to inspect and repair all of their rail infrastructure in the city. It’s not fair that they continue to operate without addressing bridges and rail crossings that pose a significant safety concern.”
Copyright 2023, iHeartMedia
Listen to WTAM for news at the top and bottom of the hour