CHATHAM–Construction has been halted on the White Mills Bridge in Chatham Center due to issues with clearance of CSX trains. CSX is the transportation company that owns the railroad tracks that pass under the bridge.
In an email to The Columbia Paper, Town Supervisor Jesse DeGroodt wrote, “At some point in the construction process, it was discovered that the bridge was two inches under CSX’s required clearance. At that point, work was shut down and a variance sought from CSX.”
Mr. DeGroodt also wrote the Town Board is waiting for word from CSX on that request. He also said that the bridge has not been open to traffic since construction started.
Bids for the construction project were opened in last fall. The $1.3 million bridge construction project is being paid for with federal and state funds, with a 5% contribution from the town. Construction began in March.
The tracks are the primary route for CSX train traffic to and from New England. Amtrak passenger trains also use the tracks.
