Published: September 23, 2009 11:38 pm      

Rail overpass compromise sought

GALLITZIN — A century-old overpass carrying Norfolk Southern trains over a local street should soon get a face-lift, while Borough Council promises to document winter conditions and push for greater improvements.

A representative of the state Public Utility Commission was in town Wednesday to meet with the mayor, Borough Council and Norfolk Southern officials in hopes of helping resolve borough complaints.

“We can work things out ourselves or we can go to a hearing,” PUC representative Dave Oliver said. “They (PUC hearing board) may say it’s the borough’s responsibility, they may say it’s the railroad’s responsibility or something in the middle.”

Council and Mayor Ray Osmolinski are concerned about the condition of the ceiling and walls in the tunnel, which carries Chestnut Street beneath the rail line.

“This has been going on for many years. They would do a few little things to get by,” said borough Secretary Irene Szynal.

Weary of complaining, the borough filed a formal complaint with the PUC, and the agency sent Oliver to tour the site and attempt to work out a compromise.

Borough officials pointed out exposed metal reinforcement bars and areas where concrete has fallen to the street and – on a few occasions – into the path of vehicles.

Another concern is the condition of the overpass during winter, when water freezes on the road.

A car and school bus collided last year in the icy tunnel, Gallitzin police Chief Gerald Hagan said.

Others said there have been fender benders and close calls, often during winter.

A suggestion that nothing could be done about water draining through from the rail bed brought a prompt response from Oliver, who said solutions do exist.

“Something can always be done about anything,” Oliver said. “The ice issue, there’s stuff that can be done, but you’re getting into very expensive remedies.”

Norfolk Southern representative Jim Rockney said the railroad will take steps to repair the cement “scabbing.”

The borough has agreed to put cages around the light fixtures in the underpass, Councilman Roger Renninger said.

The railroad also will do some landscaping on the southern side of the tunnel to alleviate water runoff, officials said.

“We’re going to let the (PUC) complaint remain ... they’re going to bring a crew in to take care of the scabbing and try to patch some places.”

Meanwhile, Oliver suggested that local officials document instances when ice in and around the underpass is a problem.

“We’re going to keep better track of this,” Renninger said.