The city of Elsmere is warning that a deteriorating railroad overpass could delay emergency responses. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet recently analyzed the Norfolk Southern bridge on Garvey Avenue and downgraded its weight limit from 27 tons to 13 tons, effective immediately.

Impact on Emergency Services

Elsmere officials said this change means the city’s fire trucks will no longer be able to cross the bridge unless the railroad makes repairs. The city says the change will create “unavoidable delays in emergency response times for the surrounding area.”

“This presents a serious public safety concern for our community,” city officials said in a statement. The city is also installing new signs to warn drivers about the lower weight limit.

“The safety impacts of this change are significant, and residents deserve a reliable solution,” said Mayor Marty Lenhof. “The City of Elsmere is fully engaged with Norfolk Southern and KYTC to identify corrective options and move toward a permanent resolution. We are committed to advocating for our community and ensuring the necessary steps are taken to address this concern promptly and responsibly.”

Fire Chief Paul LaFontaine also expressed concern, saying, “This downgrade creates an unacceptable risk for our residents. Our apparatus cannot cross the bridge under the new limit, and when Main Street is blocked by trains, which happens frequently, our ability to reach people calling 911 is delayed. We are urging Norfolk Southern to take immediate corrective action. Public safety must be the priority.”

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.