Railroad bridge possible hazard
This abandoned CSX railroad bridge, located over the north fork of Wildcat Creek near Owasco, holds sentimental value to some local residents, but may face a collapse soon. Time has taken its toll on the 94-year-old framework, which was inspected in September to determine its fundamental integrity according to Garrett Francis of the CSX Real Property Group. Residents who live near the bridge notified the Department of Natural Resources over a year ago of a log jam against a bridge support, located in the waterway. When the logs were removed, the DNR discovered erosion and other damages to the support. Resident Cindy Dunk said the 1,276 foot-long bridge has become a safety concern, including its potential to damage the SR39 bridge just downstream or cause someone injury if it were to fall. Francis said the engineering report cited concern about what trespassers could do to or on the remaining structure, and that CSX was working toward a solution. "We are aware of the condition of the bridge, and are in the process of reviewing how to proceed," Francis stated. Comet photo by Kevin Schnepp