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Today, the Camp Chase Railroad plans to begin rehabilitating a historic bridge in Columbus, Ohio, according to the Ohio Rail Development Commission, which helped the railroad secure stimulus funding for the project.

Now used by the 10.7-mile Camp Chase Railroad, the bridge once was used by New York Central Railroad freight and passenger trains moving between Columbus and Cincinnati.

To be completed in about one year, the $375,000 project will reduce unit-train crew time by 717 hours annually; cut carload service crew time by 1,400 hours per year; reduce derailment expenses; enable the bridge to accommodate 286,000-pound rail cars; promote economic development; and preserve the short line’s unit-train business by improving train speeds and track conditions, according to Camp Chase Railroad.
 
“This project will alleviate possible safety concerns associated with the outer covering of the bridge and create a safe traveling environment for the public,” said Camp Chase Railroad President Jim Streett in a prepared statement.

The project will be mostly funded by $300,000 in American Recovery & Reinvestment Act dollars. The short line will provide $75,000 to fund work to the bridge’s concrete and steel structure, and complete painting and sealing work to restore the bridge’s original appearance.