Union Pacific rail bridge over Brazos River temporarily out of service
http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/memorial/news/union-pacific-rail-bridge-over-brazos-river-temporarily-out-of/article_f01ace88-2c5c-11e6-bba1-23e6b2387bef.htmlJune 6, 2016
The Union Pacific rail bridge over the Brazos River in Richmond, Texas, has been temporarily taken out of service due to impacts from the swollen river.
On Thursday, June 2, railroad officials suspended train traffic over the bridge because of concerns that the historic flooding may begin to compromise the integrity of the bridge and track structures.
Subsequent inspections have found that the increased water flow and debris have affected the bridge’s supporting piers and have shifted track alignment. The extent of the damage has yet to be determined as high waters have not allowed for thorough inspections. Until the waters recede and a repair plan can be developed, a timetable to reopen the line cannot be set.
This bridge is a part of an important east-west rail line that connects Houston and San Antonio, with an average of 40 trains per day traveling through the area. Union Pacific’s goal is to reopen the bridge as soon as safely possible.
While traffic is temporarily suspended, trains are being rerouted through Angleton and Victoria to the south, and College Station and Hempstead to the north.
