CUMBERLAND — Changes have been discussed for a city bridge.
Cumberland Mayor Ray Morriss said CSX Transportation has indicated interest in raising its span on Greene Street.
Because of the bridge’s clearance, less than 13-feet, it is frequently struck by trucks.
The city and CSX have discussed an increase to the span’s height “so the bridge doesn’t get hit,” he said.
That would be advantageous for the city, Morriss said.
Cumberland Director of Engineering and Utilities Robert Smith said the bridge is owned as well as maintained by CSX Transportation.
City officials have held several discussions with CSX regarding the company’s replacement of the span and how that would affect the other West Side bridges, he said Wednesday.
Ideally, a new Greene Street bridge would meet the minimum under clearance of 14 feet, 6 inches, Smith said.
“I can’t speak to the structural integrity of the bridge as I don’t receive inspection reports,” he said.
The bridge “is critical to the city” as part of the detour route for Interstate 68, Smith said.
But taller trucks than 13 feet, 3 inches cannot pass under the bridge and are forced to travel through a residential neighborhood, he said.
The bridge is posted at 12 feet, 10 inches, Smith said.
“When trucks strike the bridge, despite the advanced notification signage, CSX must have the bridge inspected before they continue use,” he said.
Smith said to the best of his knowledge, “CSX has not been required to make any repairs to this structure or at least they did not notify my office before doing so.”
A CSX spokesperson on Wednesday acknowledged the “preliminary discussions” but said there are no definite plans to raise the Greene Street bridge.
“We remain committed to working in good faith with the city and all stakeholders to figure out a viable solution,” they said.
