State Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) is happy the Jefferson County train trestle will soon be an eyesore of the past.
“It’s finally happening,” Bryant said in a post to Facebook. “This roadway has a demolition date.”
After pushing for what seems like forever to get the trestle removed, this month’s scheduled destruction can’t come fast enough for Bryant.
“I have been actively working to have this trestle demolished for more than seven years,” she said in a post to her website. “While it may have taken longer than I liked, I am so pleased to finally see progress being made to remove this hazard and make our roadways safer. Canadian National will finally take responsibility for their property.”
Bryant said the trestle has fallen a long way from being what it once was.
“Decades ago, this trestle was used to haul coal, but it’s been left abandoned and deteriorating for years,” she said. “Wood is rotting, trees are sprouting throughout the structure and pieces of the track are coming loose. I’m beyond grateful that we are finally able to address these safety concerns and remove the structure before someone gets hurt.”
Bryant stresses her reasons for wanting the trestle gone don’t end there.
“Given the current trestle structure, certain sized trucks and larger farm equipment couldn’t pass underneath the bridge,” she said. “The only solution was for our farmers and truckers to travel around the track, costing both time and money.”
The demolition is slated to commence on Aug. 21.
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