Days after two Wisconsin oil and ethanol train derailments in early November, a national environmental watchdog group released a scathing critique of the decaying state of freight rail infrastructure—especially bridges—and the dangers they pose to wildlife habitats and waterways as heavier volumes of hazardous materials put pressure on aging track.
The Waterkeeper Alliance said “citizen inspectors” identified deficiencies, deterioration and rotting foundations in 46% of the bridges inspected and called on the Federal Railroad Administration and Congress to step up policing efforts of the rail industry.