Senator Sean Ryan Demands Quick Action To End Young Street Bridge Collisions In Tonawanda

SENATOR SEAN RYAN DEMANDS QUICK ACTION TO END YOUNG STREET BRIDGE COLLISIONS IN TONAWANDA

Following 64th Bridge Collision, Ryan Urges CSX and New York State
Department of Transportation To Come Together And Find A Solution

BUFFALO – Today, February 2, 2021, New York State Senator Sean Ryan wrote to CSX Transportation and the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) urging the two entities to work together to solve the ongoing problem of bridge collisions at the Young Street Bridge in the City of Tonawanda.

This week saw three truck-bridge collisions at the Young Street CSX railroad bridge – bringing the total to 64 since the year 2000. In 2019, the City of Tonawanda banned truck traffic on the section of Young Street leading to the bridge, but that has not stopped accidents from occurring. Tractor trailer drivers from Canada attempt to use Young Street as a shortcut to the 290, leading to the numerous accidents. Senator Ryan wrote to CSX and NYSDOT and offered to facilitate a meeting with both entities as well as the City of Tonawanda, in order to examine creative solutions to put an end to the bridge collisions. Senator Ryan noted that while recent accidents have involved trucks carrying food and empty glass bottles, it is only a matter of time before a truck carrying more hazardous materials strikes the bridge, causing untold damage to the City of Tonawanda and nearby residents.

Senator Sean Ryan said “We need to get creative to find a way to put a stop to the bridge collisions on Young Street. It’s clear that truck drivers from Canada are not getting the message, and something must be done to fix the problem. I am confident that if CSX and the NYSDOT put their heads together, we can implement smart solutions to this ongoing problem. This week we saw truck-bridge collisions involving trucks carrying food and empty glass bottles. I hate to think what would happen if a truck carrying more hazardous materials slammed into the bridge. This is a critical safety issue that must be addressed immediately.”

A copy of Senator Ryan’s letter appears below.

February 2, 2021

James M. Foote
President and Chief Executive Officer
CSX Transportation
500 Water Street, 15th Floor
Jacksonville, FL 32202

Hon. Marie Therese Dominguez, Esq. Commissioner
New York State Department of Transportation
50 Wolf Rd. Albany, NY 12232

Dear Mr. Foote and Commissioner Dominguez:

I write today regarding an ongoing problem in a community I represent. During this past week, there have been three truck-bridge collisions at the Young Street CSX railroad bridge in the City of Tonawanda, New York. With these incidents, there have now been a total 64 truck-bridge collisions since the year 2000. Local officials in the City of Tonawanda have been working diligently to address this issue over the years. The City banned truck traffic on the section of Young Street leading to the bridge, but that has not stopped accidents from occurring. Tractor trailer drivers from Canada attempt to use Young Street as a shortcut to the 290 highway, leading to the numerous accidents. The City of Tonawanda has offered many creative solutions over the years, including better signage and warning signals, but to date, these ideas have not been implemented. I urge CSX and the New York State Department of Transportation to work together to solve the ongoing problem of bridge collisions in the City of Tonawanda.

We need to get creative to put a stop to these bridge collisions. It’s clear that truck drivers from Canada are not getting the message, and something must be done to fix the problem. I am confident that if CSX and the NYSDOT put their heads together, we can implement smart solutions to this ongoing problem. This week we saw truck-bridge collisions involving trucks carrying food and empty glass bottles. I hate to think what would happen if a truck carrying more hazardous materials slammed into the bridge. This is a critical safety issue that must be addressed immediately.

I would be happy to facilitate a meeting with representatives from CSX, the NYSDOT, and officials from the City of Tonawanda. It is only a matter of time before the next bridge collision occurs. For the safety of truck drivers, the City of Tonawanda, and nearby residents, I urge all sides to come together immediately. Please let me know if I can be of any assistance in setting up a meeting. Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you regarding this important matter.

Sincerely,

Sean M. Ryan
New York State Senator
60th District

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