Schumer: Feds must ensure train bridges are safe

Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) called for a federal audit of bridges that carry hazardous material, such as crude oil.

“Many train bridges across the region are deteriorating,” Schumer said. “Any problem with their structural integrity could lead to a disaster of epic proportions and we must do all we can to avoid that nightmare scenario.”

{mosads}Schumer said any structural problem with the bridge could lead to a major disaster and that the federal railroad inspectors should do a full assessment. 

“These bridges are inspected once a year by CSX, but given their deplorable state, I am calling on the Federal Railroad Administration to send an inspector to Orange County to conduct an independent audit,” Schumer said. “We must make sure that these bridges are not at risk of collapsing.”

Schumer also called for an increase in the number of national railroad inspectors, saying there aren’t enough to keep up with safety standards.