(The Associated Press distributed the following article on May 28.)
WILLIAMSTON, S.C. — Anderson County and the town of Williamston have sued CSX Transportation to repair a rail bridge closed 13 years ago.
In the suit filed Monday, the town and county cite an 80-year-old contract that officials say binds the railway company to keep maintaining the bridge, which spans railroad tracks owned by CSX. The company has 30 days to respond.
The closed bridge separates Gray Drive. People on both sides of the span have different feelings about reopening it.
Barbara Cheek, on one side, says the closed span keeps down traffic and “makes it a quieter neighborhood.”
Pam Owens, on the other side, has filed several petitions to get the bridge fixed. She says the closed bridge makes access for emergency vehicles more difficult.
“I even dream about that bridge,” Owens said. “I dreamed that it was the prettiest hard wood bridge you’ve ever seen in your life.”
CSX Transportation spokesman Gary Sease said Thursday railroad officials hadn’t reviewed the lawsuit yet and could not comment.