Another Western New York structure is coming down.
The Portage Bridge is 136. It can only carry loads 13,000 lbs under the industry average. Trains can’t go over 10 mph while crossing.
Time to go.
Norfolk Southern (1.5 billion net profit, 28,000 employees) wants to build a new arched bridge.
Without tourist access.
Seems that the old bridge was the place for a perfect view of the gorge. Law breaking citizens would deliberately trespass to see what is considered the best observation point in the park. The new bridge will be constructed so pedestrian access will be blocked.
The main idea is to move freight across the gorge, and I’m sure from a safety standpoint it just wouldn’t be prudent for us,” spokesman Davecq Pidgeon said.
Translates into liability, I believe.
And of course Tim Tielman (the News’ resident expert on shit being torn down) believes that “Norfolk Southern had a responsibility to retain the bridge since it operates a private overpass in a public park and is seeking state and federal funds to replace it.” A weak argument since the bridge and right of way predates the park (1875 v 1906). Hell, the original bridge predates the purchase of land by William Pryor Letchworth (1852 v 1859).
So who will save the old bridge? NS offered it to the Office of State Parks but the declined, citing fiscal issues. I doubt the town can afford it as has happened in similar situations. So I guess the bridge will become one of those “When I was younger we used to …” type deals.
Disappointing to some, irrelevant to others. Such is life.
Related posts:
Too bad the parks service didn’t take the bridge for an observation deck. Would have been nice to keep around.
The Parks Commission turning down the offer of the bridge citing financial issues creates the question “Would you take it if the railroad performed the upgrade required to make it an observation platform”? It would be nice if the second part of Tielman’s suggestion came into play and there was negotiation between the state on funding being tied to the upgrade of the current bridge. Sticking point would be finding an entity to take ownership if repairs are done.
I hear they’re doing streetscape improvements on Water Street in downtown Elmira, and that will involve updating the cladding on some of the older buildings. Will Tielman be chiming in and sticking his nose in on that too?
Seriously, why does the media go running to this a**hole for his .02 and opinion every time there’s an issue regarding development? Is his opinion any more important than mine?
He’ll be chiming in if Elmira uses vinyl! Seriously, he seems to be the go – to guy on old shit being modified for the news.