Carbondale Reporter

After more than six years of pushing, state Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) is celebrating the scheduled demolition of the decaying Jefferson County train trestle.

“It’s finally happening,” Bryant said in a post to Facebook. “This roadway has a demolition date.”

The demolition is slated to begin sometime this month and Bryant said she is already counting down the days.

“I have been actively working to have this trestle demolished for more than seven years,” Bryant said. “While it may have taken longer than I liked, I am so pleased to finally see progress being made to remove this hazard and make our roadways safer. Canadian National will finally take responsibility for their property and, with support from IDOT, will begin demolition later this month.”

Bryant said the trestle has fallen a long way from being what it once was.

“Decades ago, this trestle was used to haul coal, but it’s been left abandoned and deteriorating for years,” she said. “Wood is rotting, trees are sprouting throughout the structure and pieces of the track are coming loose. I’m beyond grateful that we are finally able to address these safety concerns and remove the structure before someone gets hurt.”

Bryant stresses safety concerns are not the only issues with the trestle these days.

“Given the current trestle structure, certain-sized trucks and larger farm equipment couldn’t pass underneath the bridge,” she said. “The only solution was for our farmers and truckers to travel around the track, costing both time and money.”

The demolition is slated to commence on Aug. 21.