After years of lobbying community gets bridge over train tracks

After years of lobbying community gets bridge over train tracks

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By Jonathan Hardison - bio | email
Many Collegeville residents say that trains coming through would cut them off completely, causing mobility concerns. Source: WBRC video Many Collegeville residents say that trains coming through would cut them off completely, causing mobility concerns. Source: WBRC video
This graphic rendering shows one of the bridges that will be built in Collegeville. Source: WBRC video This graphic rendering shows one of the bridges that will be built in Collegeville. Source: WBRC video
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) -

After years of lobbying, homeowners in the North Birmingham neighborhood of Collegeville today got their wish: a new car and pedestrian bridge to give them access to the outside world even when trains block their way.

Neighbors have been complaining for years that they're boxed in on all sides by railroad tracks and that they face long and potentially life-threatening waits for emergency services to get in or out of their neighborhood when trains stop at the crossings.

Today the city council approved its matching funds for a $10 million bridge that will allow cars and walkers to get over the tracks even when trains are stopped.

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