Glenville, New York – The town is facing closures on a county-owned roadway due to repairs needed on a bridge damaged during a collision and explosion last December. Genesee & Wyoming Inc. spokesperson, Tom Ciuba, confirmed that essential maintenance work will be done from April 15 to 19 to replace damaged secondary steel members of the structure. The immediate concern arose after engineering tests showed potential issues that could compromise the bridge’s integrity over time.
This particular bridge has been a recurring issue in Glenville, having suffered numerous strikes from tall vehicles in recent years. Part of the problem stems from the low spans that make it a convenient pathway for truckers coming off a major highway to make deliveries in the area. The impacts of these strikes have even led to serious incidents like the December explosion on Maple Avenue, which caused widespread power outages, evacuations, and injuries to the driver.
Local officials only became aware of the impending road closure recently, despite the rail company’s efforts to notify drivers through visible signs near the bridge. Glenville Supervisor, Chris Koetzle, expressed frustration at the lack of communication from rail companies, emphasizing the need for better coordination and notification to prevent such incidents in the future. Steps have been taken to address the issue, including the installation of a laser-detection system on Glenridge Road to warn drivers of potential bridge strikes.
While measures like the laser-detection system have helped reduce the number of incidents, Koetzle is considering further actions to prevent future bridge strikes. Discussions have included the possibility of legal action to compel railroad companies to raise the height of low spans passing through town. The town continues to evaluate options to improve safety and prevent similar incidents from occurring, recognizing the importance of proactive measures to protect both drivers and the community.