Missouri Railroad Bridge: Governor Mike Parson and state transportation authorities plan to fix railroad bridges with the first $50 million. This technique distribution prevents disasters like last year’s Amtrak catastrophe.
According to the NTSB, the railway disaster in north-central Missouri’s Mendon was caused by inadequate planning. This tragedy killed four people and injured 146 others.
A $750,000 detailed analysis informed Thursday’s recommendations. They aim to overhaul 47 road-train intersections. Three Missouri railroad lines will be altered. Changes will cost $18.5 million. The research recommends closing 17 crossings, including the Mendon one where the terrible disaster happened.
Freight railway bridges are being made safer with $50 million from the budget.
It’s really important to mention that none of the 27 crossings that need to be fixed have the regular lights, fences, or sounds that tell people when a train is coming. This shows a significant safety issue. It’s crucial to fix Missouri’s 1,400 abandoned intersections.
Linda Horn, Transportation Department spokesperson, estimates that repairing all non-operational bridges might cost $700 million.
Strangely, the Mendon crossing blocked after the accident was like a passive crossing since it had no signs or noises. Locals worried about crossing the road for over three years before the catastrophe. Warnings were ignored.
Jennifer Homendy, NTSB chair, said, “When you see it, you understand how unsafe it was.” This illustrates the need to address safety concerns quickly.
The state Department of Transportation proposed a $400,000 Mendon crossing lights and gates project. Important project. The money arrived after the disaster. The Mendon catastrophe showed how vital speed is.
Inactive bridges are found nationwide. Nearly half of America’s 130,000 train crossings are passive, which is troubling. They need train-approaching lights and barriers.
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The NTSB has long urged for gates, alarms, or closure of dormant crossings. The U.S. Transportation Department announced $570 million to eliminate railroad crossings quicker in 32 states. Good sign. This enormous project will only involve a few routes.
The nationwide statistics demonstrate how serious this is. Two thousand rail-crossing car-train collisions occur a year. Nearly 250 individuals died in these collisions last year.
Billy Barton II, 54, drove the dump truck. The vehicle had three occupants. Rochelle Cook, 58, and Kim Holsapple, 56, were from DeSoto, Kansas. Kansas City, Missouri-born Binh Phan was 82. The Amtrak derailment killed them all. It wounded 150 individuals.
The Southwest Chief train from Los Angeles to Chicago collided with a vehicle at Mendon. Two engines and eight cars derailed. The train included 271 passengers and 12 employees.
After that, multiple lawsuits were filed against Fort Worth-based freight rail firm BNSF, which owns and maintains the lines.
Homendy blamed BNSF for the train. The railway company must protect passengers. After the accident, BNSF restored the rails promptly to increase safety.
The railroad company’s statement indicated that BNSF track conditions did not cause the accident. Homendy’s safety suggestions included aspects the railroad couldn’t control.
This tragic ending indicates that passive railway crossings must be safer and that public safety, regulatory requirements, and transportation players’ duties are difficult.
Our Reader’s Queries
Is the original St. Louis bridge still standing?
The Eads bridge holds the distinction of being the first bridge to span the mighty Mississippi at St. Louis. This engineering marvel was a true feat of its time, as it was not only the largest bridge constructed at that point, but also the very first steel bridge. Its completion in 1874 marked a significant milestone in the history of bridge building, and it remains the oldest standing bridge on the Mississippi River to this day.
Where was the first railroad bridge across the Missouri River?
The Hannibal Bridge, the initial permanent rail crossing of the Missouri River, played a pivotal role in the development of Kansas City, Missouri. This bridge helped establish the city as a significant rail center and contributed to its growth as a major urban hub. Its construction marked a significant milestone in the history of transportation and infrastructure development in the United States.
Where is the longest railroad bridge in the United States?
The Norfolk Southern Lake Pontchartrain Bridge is a remarkable rolling lift trunnion bridge that spans Lake Pontchartrain, connecting Slidell and New Orleans, Louisiana. It runs parallel to the Maestri Bridge and is the longest railroad bridge in the United States, stretching over 5.8 miles (9.3 km). Its impressive length and unique design make it a true engineering marvel.
What is the biggest bridge in Missouri?
The MacArthur Bridge holds the title for the longest bridge in Missouri. It was constructed by the city of St. Louis to alleviate traffic congestion on the Eads Bridge, which was the sole route for road traffic to cross the Mississippi River.