Carbondale Reporter

One mile south of Waltonville sits an aged and abandoned railroad crossing that minecarts once used over 30 years ago to transport coal. 

Located on Illinois Route 148, the train tracks now sit abandoned and in ramshackle, as politicians and locals grow increasingly worried.

"This bridge is a safety hazard to Illinois motorists," Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Jefferson) wrote in a Facebook post. "For almost 7 years, I have been pushing to demolish the railroad tracks and bridge, demanding that Canadian National, the owners of these rails, take responsibility for their property. Yet, my calls for action have gone unanswered. Enough is enough. We are talking about making roadways safer and better for the people of Jefferson County. Hopefully my message is finally heard."

Bryant has been pushing to demolish the railroad tracks for six years now, WSIL3 reported.

"You can see that it's wooden. There are pieces that are loose on it. There are trees growing out of the top," Bryant said, WSIL3 reported.

Canadian National owns the tracks, according to Bryant.

"They agree that they own it. They agree that it's their responsibility to take it out," she said, adding that "They've been slow-rolling us for over six years, in fact, almost seven years. It's not as pressing an issue to them as it is for the people who live here," WSIL3 reported.

Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) said demolishing the structure would help farmers save time and money, WSIL3 reported.

"It would be nice to not have to go around this area and drive right through there," local farmer Mark Kash said, WSIL3 reported.

Kash commutes between Franklin and Jefferson Counties, usually driving around Route 148 due to safety concerns.

"They need to take the bridge out and they need to move some of the dirt in order for trucks to get under it safely," Bryant said. "We believe Canadian National should act on it immediately ... They should be good neighbors to all of us," Bryant said.