Lawmakers seek federal assistance for ‘dangerous’ railroad bridge conditions

CLEVELAND — State senators and representatives are sounding the alarm on “dangerous” railroad bridge conditions within the City of Cleveland, and they are asking for immediate federal assistance.

According to a press release from the office of state Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan, D-District 14, a bipartisan letter was sent by members of the Cuyahoga County Delegation in the Ohio General Assembly to Ohio’s two U.S. senators, Republicans Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted.

A letter was also sent to Deputy Administrator Drew Feeley, acting administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration at the U.S. Department of Transportation.

In the letter, they noted that Cleveland “has issued 99 first-degree misdemeanor violations for the deteriorating condition of these railroad bridges, which have raised significant safety concerns for our constituents.”

These were issued against CSX Transportation, Inc. and the Norfolk Southern Corporation, which own these bridges.

According to the release, some violations include:

• Structural deterioration
• Graffiti
• Overgrown vegetation
• Falling concrete

“Our constituents deserve safe infrastructure and accountable corporate partners,” Brennan said in the release. “These violations are not just cosmetic—they are safety hazards that demand immediate attention.”

The lawmakers also called out the railroad bridge that spans Broadway Avenue near Harvard specifically, saying it could be hazardous to pedestrians and drivers.

Here are the lawmakers’ four requests to federal officials:

1. “Prioritize inspections of all your railroad bridges in Cleveland to ensure compliance with federal standards and safety regulations
2. Coordinate actions between the Federal Government and the city and initiate prompt repairs and improvements to address violations issued by the city
3. Maintain transparent communication between city officials and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) regarding your progress in resolving these issues
4. Collaborate with the city to establish a long-term maintenance plan for these railroad bridges”

You can view the letter here:

“The people of Cleveland should not have to wonder if the bridges they drive under or walk near are structurally sound,” said Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio, D-District 23, in the release. “Rail companies must take responsibility, and the federal government must hold them accountable.”