27 August 2008
CP Railway Reaches Agreement on Two New York Rail Bridges
Oneonta New York USA - New York State Senator James L.
Seward (R/I/C-Oneonta) said that two railroad bridges in Otsego County would be completely replaced with new structures,
concluding months-long negotiations over the fates of the Brooker Hollow Road bridge in the Town of Worcester and the
railroad bridge spanning State Route 7 and Pony Farm Road in the Town of Oneonta.
Under the terms of the agreement, the state and Canadian Pacific Railroad will cover the cost of replacement structures at the two
locations, with the towns assuming ownership once the bridges are completed. CP Rail had previously proposed temporary repairs to the
structures pending possible federal assumption of the bridges. Seward secured a special transportation grant two years ago to share the
cost of repairing the bridges.
Seward announced the funding two years ago. A rail strike delayed repairs, and discussions resumed several months ago over how to best
address the need to replace the deteriorating structures.
"Canadian Pacific is pleased that the future of these two spans has been assured. The safety of the public and our operations is
always our first consideration," said Guido DeCiccio, assistant vice-president, Operations.
Under the agreement, CP Rail will pay $585,000 toward the bridges (approximately one-half the cost) and absorb $200,000 in
engineering expenses incurred to date. The state, through Sen. Seward's $600,000 grant, will cover the other one-half. The
towns will accept ownership of the structures when completed.
Planning for the bridges' replacement will begin in the next two weeks. Construction will involve use of pre-engineered
Con/Span structures that simplify installation.
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