A statement from state Senator Carolyn Comitta, state Rep. Danielle Friel Otten, and state Rep. Christina Sappey:
“Our hearts go out to the entire Downingtown community in mourning those who have lost their lives on the Trestle Bridge recently and in the past. We continue to work to bring together partners and agencies to permanently and effectively secure the bridge.
Please know that we share the public frustration and grief at the tragic loss of young lives at this site. And we continue to do all we can to advance and facilitate steps to secure it.
Previously, we worked to facilitate the transfer of the bridge from Norfolk Southern to PennDOT. As a result, Chester County is now in a position to acquire the bridge and rail line, which has been a goal for some time.
For many years, the bridge was owned by Norfolk Southern and unfortunately was allowed to fall into disrepair. Upon taking ownership of the bridge, PennDOT took (and continues to take) steps to secure it and prevent potential hazards, including having earlier replaced the mesh netting and removed the boulders that were suspended over the road.
Until the transfer of ownership happens, PennDOT is working to install a resilient, non-scalable fence that will consist of small, narrow mesh openings to minimize the opportunity to climb and cut. The contractor is procuring materials and is working to install the fencing quickly.
In addition, ‘No Trespassing’ signage has been installed at the site, which now enables police to cite trespassers. Mental health signage was also previously added to the bridge.
PennDOT is also researching more effective measures and has requested vigilance by law enforcement at the site as the process moves forward.
We are sincerely grateful and appreciative of the help of PennDOT District 6 in making this issue a priority. Norfolk Southern’s neglect of this asset has led to the existing challenge and to ensure the safety and security of our community, PennDOT stepped in to be an interim support to transition the asset to County possession for remediation. The department engineers have been onsite, working to design and implement additional safety measures as quickly as possible, and those efforts will continue until the permanent transfer of ownership to Chester County takes place.
Again, our condolences to the friends and families of those who have lost loved ones. We fully appreciate, understand, and share the need to urgently address this issue to prevent further tragedies on the bridge.”