HUNTSVILLE — The city entered into a funding agreement with the Huntsville & Madison County Railroad Authority to assist in replacing the Aldridge Creek railroad bridge. The project also includes other upgrades along the railroad.
In July, the trestle bridge across Aldridge Creek collapsed during a train crossing; two railcars derailed and fell into the creek. No one was injured.
The city is contributing $800,000 to the project with the total cost of the project being $6,320,200. The remaining funds will be provided by the railroad authority, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs and a 2023 Federal Railroad Administration Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement (CRISI) grant.
The CRISI grant was for $3,467,110 to assist in providing safety, efficiency and capacity improvement to the railway.
In addition to the bridge replacement work, the improvements include installing cross ties, resurfacing 13.25 track miles and the construction of 7,115 feet of siding capacity.
The city said the project also includes adding 100 feet to a transload track to improve safety to highway and rail users that will enhance service to vital industries in the area and increase capacity on the existing railroad system.
