WCBC

October 11th, 2018 by WCBC Radio

Cumberland City officials on Thursday talked for close to three hours with CSX Transportation representatives- as the two sides inch closer to a formal agreement that will replace  three West Side bridges while correcting a problem with an overpass. Due to Hurricane Michael moving through Florida, CSX reps could not attend the session at City Hall but did participate via conference call. Mayor Brian Grim met with the media at the meetings conclusion and said that there were some significant take-aways- most notably that  both sides have essentially signed off on plans to replace both the Cumberland and Fayette street bridges. In addition, CSX and the city have reached a compromise in  addressing the Greene Street overpass that will not impact the track height. Grim says that should play a role in continuing to work toward a Washington Street bridge solution. City staff has met with former Allegany County engineer Kevin Beachy who had been retained by the Washington Street Association citizens group to examine various options- and there are significant areas of agreement. Grim says the hope is that the paperwork that will transfer ownership of the bridges to the city to allow the securing of federal dollars can be finalized as early as next month. Grim says the hope is that the paperwork that will transfer ownership of the bridges to the city to allow the securing of federal dollars can be finalized in November.