Malloy Seeks $3 Million For Century-Old Rail Span That Failed Twice This Year
NORWALK, Conn. (CBSNework/AP) -- Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is seeking to borrow $3 million in state bonds to fix a railroad bridge in Connecticut that blocked commuter rail traffic in May and June.
The governor said Sunday the money for the Walk Bridge used by Metro-North Railroad and Amtrak will be for maintenance projects while the state works to replace the span.
Malloy Seeks $3 Million For Century-Old Rail Span
The 118-year-old rotating bridge was stuck in the open position twice recently, disrupting the busy commuter rail system between Connecticut and Grand Central Terminal.
Sen. Bob Duff and Reps. Chris Perone and Bruce Morris say that when the bridge fails, it affects more than 141 Metro-North and Amtrak trains, inconveniencing 125,000 commuters. The three lawmakers represent Norwalk.
Duff said the long-term solution will be to replace the bridge.
"It's a huge inconvenience, it's an embarrassment and we know that it has to be replaced," Duff said.
Connecticut Department of Transportation officials are banking hopes on word from the feds that $350 million in Sandy relief funds may be available for replacement of the bridge, WCBS 880's Fran Schneidau reported.
"If we do not receive that grant, then Connecticut's going to have to shoulder those costs and that's a lot of money for the state of Connecticut," Duff said.
The governor is chairman of the Bond Commission, which is set to meet Friday.
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