Published: June 12, 2009 09:54 pm      

Railroad monitoring condition of overpass

Norfolk Southern to repair Cicott Street overpass in 2010

The owners of a Logansport railroad bridge are paying close attention to the structure’s condition amid fears that it is in need of repair.

Norfolk Southern Railroad conducted an inspection of the bridge on Cicott Street last month after they were alerted by the the Indiana Department of Transportation, which conducted a similar review.

The inspection revealed that concrete on the southwest corner abutment of the bridge had fallen away because of the freezing and thawing process.

Robin Chapman, manager of public relations for Norfolk Southern, said the company was aware of the bridge’s issues, but he downplayed suggestions it was unsafe.

“One of our engineers inspected the bridge on May 11, and we agree with INDOT that the southwest corner of the abutment needs to be repaired,” Chapman said. “However, there is no immediate risk of failure or danger to the public.”

INDOT, and ultimately Norfolk Southern, were notified about the condition of the bridge by a concerned resident.

Rick Gibbs, who lives half a block from the structure, reported his concerns last month, prompting the inspections. He said the bridge’s problems had been compounded by the number of vehicles that had crashed into it over the past few years.

Gibbs recalled witnessing the air conditioning unit of a camper strike the bridge as the vehicle tried to go under structure that has a clearance of only 10 feet six inches. He said that a U-Haul truck and a Logansport fire truck had also failed to make it under the bridge, adding that he was worried about school traffic that regularly passes through.

“It’s been hit by so many vehicles it needs a repair as soon as possible,” he said.

Alvin Beckman, director of the Cass County Emergency Management Agency, also inspected the bridge. He said that around a month ago a chunk of concrete fell from the southwest concrete pillar, but he supported Norfolk Southern’s view that while in need of repair the bridge presented no immediate danger to the public.

Chapman said a similar problem with another of the bridge’s abutments was addressed in the past 10 years.

“We have scheduled it for maintenance in 2010, and until then, we will closely monitor the bridge for any deterioration and will take appropriate actions if necessary,” he said.

“Safety is Norfolk Southern’s No. 1 priority. We routinely monitor the condition and structural integrity of our bridges to ensure the safety of the public and our employees and the protection of our customers’ freight.”

• Kevin Smith is a staff writer at the Pharos-Tribune. He can be reached at (574) 732-5148 or kevin.smith@pharostribune.com