News Summary
A trestle bridge in South Huntsville collapsed, causing two rail cars to fall into Aldridge Creek. Fortunately, there were no injuries, and authorities confirmed no hazardous materials were released. The bridge, crucial for local industries, had been scheduled for replacement shortly before the incident, raising questions about infrastructure safety. The Federal Railroad Administration is investigating, while a greenway section has been closed to ensure public safety as officials evaluate the situation.
Huntsville – A trestle bridge across Aldridge Creek in South Huntsville collapsed on Tuesday morning, resulting in two rail cars falling into the waterway. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, and authorities confirmed that no hazardous materials were released from the derailed cars.
The bridge, which was managed by the Huntsville Madison County Railroad Authority, played a key role in connecting ten local industries to the Norfolk Southern railway lines. Following the incident, the railroad authority announced its commitment to cooperate fully with federal authorities who are currently investigating the matter.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that residents nearby expressed relief, particularly a local runner who often traverses beneath the bridge, noting how fortunate they were not to be there at the time of the collapse. Structural concerns surrounding the bridge had been raised in the past, as parts of it were under construction last year, leading to increased scrutiny regarding its safety.
Recently, Mark Lumb, chair of the Huntsville Rail Authority, disclosed that the bridge had been scheduled for replacement just two months prior to the collapse. As part of an ongoing effort to improve the railway’s infrastructure, Governor Kay Ivey earlier announced a federal grant of $1 million in 2024 designated for the bridge’s replacement.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has indicated that the age and deteriorating condition of the bridge necessitated weight restrictions, significantly impacting the transportation options available to local businesses. The collapsing incident raised questions about the sufficiency of the funds allocated for its replacement post-collapse, particularly since clean-up operations will need to be completed before any construction can begin.
For context, this bridge was part of a larger initiative aimed at upgrading the region’s rail capabilities, which included a total projected funding of $6.3 million for track improvements and installation of new cross ties. The deteriorating condition of the structure had already forced certain local industries, including Saint-Gobain Industrial, to shift to truck transportation rather than relying on rail services.
In response to a growing concern for community safety, a section of the Aldridge Creek Greenway has been closed indefinitely as a precautionary measure to prevent public access to the area under investigation. Residents are being urged to adhere to barriers and avoid trespassing on railroad property as cleanup and investigations continue.
Following this incident, the Federal Railroad Administration has initiated an investigation into the bridge collapse. The Huntsville Madison County Railroad Authority has confirmed that it is fully cooperating with this federal inquiry. It is noteworthy that the most recent recorded incident involving the HMCRA line prior to Tuesday’s collapse occurred in September 2005, which also resulted in no injuries.
As the community moves forward, the focus will remain on addressing the consequences of the collapse and ensuring that similar incidents do not occur in the future.
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Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
