Does anyone know of an account or example of CSX railroad painting one of their bridges?

Question

and don't answer that rust is a protective coating because that is not my question

Answer 1

Again? Are you upset my last answer didn't "disprove that assertion"?

*No, railroads for the most part do NOT paint their bridges...

There's no reason to. Paint covers up cracks and prevents a good inspection and recognition of structural problems.*

And, as I said last time this is fact pretaining to the matter, whether you like it or not.. The layer of rust is a form of oxidation. It seals and prevents further deterioration. If it was painted and water got behind the paint it could cause structural corrosion.

Those are the facts, sorry they don't fit your agenda... I'm sure you are from that town down south complaining that the local bridge is rusty and an "eyesore" and CSX won't paint it (which they shouldn't).

Communist NIMBY's like you have no business dabbling in others affairs...

Answer 2

If you see any railroad, CSX especially, paint a bridge it is done because of pure necessity (i.e., a new bridge was installed). Railroads are quite stingy when it comes to expenditures because their cost of capital is so high (nearly the highest of all industries). So, if they are receiving no return on their investment they rarely will invest, which is a category the paint on bridges fall into (it returns them nothing, so why paint it? [unless, of course, there is some pressing need to do so]). This is purely another topic, but I believe from a marketing standpoint in certain instances bridges would not hurt to be painted for advertising purposes or simply community cohesiveness. For the past few decades railroads have retreated heavily from the public eye (for instance, most [but not all] Class 1s paint locomotives just to prohibit the rusting process, although I suppose the "bottom line" is justified in that sense) and from both a public and business standpoint it would do them a great amount of good to come out their shell, at least to some extent (especially now that demand for rail is reaching new heights).

Answer 3

Agreement Reached On CSX Highway Bridges In Wilmington, Newport
Four Bridges To Be Repaired Or Replaced Under Agreement

Wilmington – Governor Ruth Ann Minner announced Monday that the state, CSX railroad and the city of Wilmington have reached agreement on the status of highway bridges over the railroad in Delaware, resulting in the replacement or repair of four highway bridges: three in Wilmington and one near Newport.

As part of the agreement, the state will front the estimated $8 million cost, Gov. Minner said. Then, over a five-year period CSX will pay $6 million, with interest, to the state. The bridges are at 6th, 7th and 9th streets in Wilmington and the Newport Road bridge, and all carry highway traffic over CSX railroad tracks. Under the agreement, the state will assume responsibility for all highway bridges that cross CSX tracks in the state.

Gov. Minner was joined at the announcement by U.S. Senator Tom Carper, Wilmington Mayor Jim Baker, New Castle County Executive Chris Coons and Robert Sullivan, Regional Vice President for Public Affairs at CSX Transportation.

“This has been a lengthy process but in the end all interested parties came together with a workable solution,” Gov. Minner said. “CSX is working with the state so it can ensure the future of the bridges. CSX’s contribution will be used by the state as a major capital contribution, which is unique in the nation because Delaware has never spent federal money on projects such as these. Most importantly, these bridge improvements are another important part of the collaborative effort to revitalize the city of Wilmington.”

The four bridges are in poor condition now. The final plans for the new bridges will include community design elements including sidewalks, lighting and landscaping. The Wilmington bridges will be repaired first, within three years.

Plans for the bridges include:

• 6th Street bridge: A one-way bridge that is currently closed, it will be rebuilt to handle two-way vehicle traffic.

• 7th Street bridge: A one-way bridge that is also currently closed, it will be demolished. The new two-way 6th Street bridge will serve the area.

• 9th Street bridge: This bridge remains open to traffic, but will be demolished and a new bridge constructed. Design plans are ready and this will be the first bridge replaced.

• Newport Road bridge: This bridge will be rebuilt and widened within four years.

Delaware Department of Transportation Secretary Nathan Hayward III, whose department is heading the design and construction effort, negotiated the agreement with CSX.

“The state, and Wilmington now have the ability to ensure the safe future of all highway bridges in Delaware over CSX tracks,” Hayward said. “We will continue to work with all to ensure the aesthetics of these bridges meet the expectations of the community. I have every confidence that, when complete, these bridges will be a wonderful addition to Wilmington.”

“CSX is pleased to be part of an agreement that enables the state and city to move forward with their plans for the bridges that cross over CSX tracks in Delaware. Credit for this sound solution goes to all of the parties, particularly Senator Carper for bringing everyone together and urging that we work for the common good,” said Robert Sullivan, CSX Regional Vice President for Public Affairs.

Sen. Carper said, “I could not be happier or prouder to have played a role in getting these bridges fixed on behalf of the residents of Wilmington and Newport. This has been a long road. From my initial conversations with John Snow back in 2001 to a meeting I had last year with Michael Ward and Secretary Hayward, where we rolled up our sleeves and got to work, this has been a tough-won, but well-deserved victory for all the parties. Wilmington and Newport will benefit for years to come because of what we do today.”

“The citizens of Wilmington owe a debt of gratitude to Governor Minner, Secretary Hayward, Senator Carper and CSX for working through the issues in order to produced today’s announced agreement,” Mayor Baker said. “This public and private meeting of the minds on the important matter of safer transportation routes within Wilmington is very much appreciated by the City government and the citizens we all serve.”