Every so often a chunk of rock falls from one of the AMTRAK bridges in Coatesville onto the road below.

There are probably earlier references to AMTRAK’s falling bridges but I remember that City Councilperson Marty Eggleston commented on the chunks of stone falling from the bridges at several Coatesville City Council meetings. The quote below is from the minutes of the Coatesville City Council meeting of Monday November 13, 2007:

“Mr. Eggleston asked if the $1.3 million dollar grant money for the train station includes the bridge. Mr. Walker replied no. He stated he has met with Amtrak regarding the bridge. Mr. Eggleston voiced his concern on more traffic in the bridge. The bridge is falling apart and pieces are landing on the road below. Mr. Walker announced that Amtrak and Penndot do not have the money to maintain. He stated he replied to them that it is unacceptable. He stated the need for political power to put it in their budget to help get the dilapidated bridges fixed. Mr. Eggleston stated it is a safety issue because it is the gateway to the downtown area. It needs to be a priority. Mr. Walker explained that people need to continue to contact the state representatives.”

 Minutes Coatesville City Council Meeting Monday, November 13, 2007

So far no one has been injured by the falling rock.

My neighbor and hard working Coatesville resident Brian Pietropaolo thoughtfully drew up a letter to send to Mr. Dennis Fencil Division Engineer, Mid-Atlantic Division informing him “of the visual and structural condition of several bridges located in the City of Coatesville, PA.”

It’s here:

AMTRAK Generic.docx

For more information See Matt Baker’s blog post about the letter:

Letters to Amtrak – Need your help!

 I would also suggest sending a copies of the letter to:

Senator Robert P. Casey, Jr.

2000 Market Street, Suite 1870

Philadelphia, PA 19103

Senator Arlen Specter

600 Arch Street

Suite 9400

Philadelphia, PA 19106

Congressman Jim Gerlach

111 East Uwchlan Avenue 
Exton, PA 19341

I would also suggest sending an email copy of the letter to the Southeastern Pennsylvania First Suburbs Project

SEPA First Suburbs Project 
P.O. Box 1246 
Lansdowne, PA 19050 
Email: firstsuburbsproject@gmai.com
Phone: 267-977-9654