railwatcher wrote:Otto, I asked that question the other day, and Luther stated LAL had ownership of the track to the switch at GJ. But, the bridge itself could be a different entity, with a use priveledge to get to the junction. If CSX owns and maintains it, the bridge will be in the river before anything is fixed, based on their recent history.
In this case, I believe it is a shared right of way sort of thing. The maintenance duties belong to CSX for the bridge as the bridge was put under their ownership by our blue friend (Conrail.) The next time I have a conversation with the right person, I will ask about this location but as far as I can recall, it is CSX's duty to maintain the crossings there, the bridge, and of course the Junction and the Westshore aside from any portion that the LA&L owns and runs own which to my knowledge is up to the switch.
As for when the bridge may need help, it still appears to be strong bridge. Watch it as a CSX freight goes over it, and it looks decent, no major warping and flexing. If I recall correctly the current bridge is nearing or just over 100 years of age. I'll check the next time I'm in the area.
To all out there....
Oh and because it needs to be said, don't be the one to have to to go for a swim because of trespassing and oncoming trains. Remember it's a railroad bridge and it is built and maintained as such not a people bridge, though I have seen many trespassers on it over the years.