Letter to Michael Ward, Chairman, President, and CEO of CSX - Bringing Trestles Up to Code

Letter

Dear Mr. Ward,

I write today in regards to an important issue in Rome, New York. As you may know, Rome is home to a number of CSX owned and maintained train trestles. These trestles, particularly the two running along Martin Street, one crossing over Mill Street and the other crossing over S. James Street, have fallen into an extreme state of disrepair. Local officials have spoken at length to CSX officials in an effort to have the structural and aesthetic issues on these trestles addressed, but to date no progress has been made. I urge you to work with local officials to quickly and fully address the issues with these trestles.

These decaying trestles have a significant negative impact on the City of Rome. The trestles run through the heart of the city and are one of the first things a visitor sees when entering Rome. As the trestles continue to crumble and decay they hurt the downtown aesthetics and as a result they are having a negative impact on the new waterfront re-development happening just a few hundred yards away. In addition, the trestles pose a risk to the safety of motorists and pedestrians. Concrete, debris, stone, and rebar have routinely fallen off the bridge and pose a significant safety concern to the local community.

The community has undertaken efforts in the past to address these trestles, and in 2013 after meeting with the community CSX officials agreed to make some repairs. Unfortunately, the promised improvements never occurred and as a result the trestles remain an eyesore and a safety hazard. I urge you to work with Rome to help address these issues and appreciate your consideration of this request.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Schumer
United States Senator

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