Repairs and a road closure will be “lengthy” after something knocked a large steel beam loose from the CSX bridge over Olive Road, railroad officials said Wednesday.
The beam, painted red to get motorists’ attention to the low clearance fell to the road. No injuries nor the identity of the driver have been reported.
The impact broke damaged support beams and crossties on both sides of the bridge. CSX spokeswoman Sheriee Bowman said repairs could take months.
Underneath, pieces of what looked like a motor home lay in the road as news crews captured live shots.
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City officials said the underpass will be closed for up to three months for repairs to be made. Northbound traffic is being detoured west on White Road to Kissingbower Road. Southbound cars on Heard Avenue were being routed on Lee Street to Kissingbower.
The bridge has been struck many times, despite city officials’ efforts to ban truck traffic and warn motorists of the low clearance with speed humps and flashing lights.
City officials kept the crossing closed throughout last Masters Week to prevent crashes, although it’s typically local drivers who get wedged under or strike the bridge, officials have said.
Last fall, CSX government relations expert Craig Camuso said the bridge was one of its most often struck.
Worst case, a vehicle could strike the bridge while a train is passing over, he said. CSX has spent $250,000 to realign the tracks due to collisions in the last three years, he said.
Commissioners have suggested putting the information into GPS or using soft plastic barricades to warn drivers.
Susan McCord is a staff writer with The Augusta Press. Reach her at susan@theaugustapress.com
