HomeMy WebLinkAboutHandouts_Workshop_Tab 01_03/03/2014 ,
Earlier today, Tequesta Mayor Abby Brennan, Chief of Police Christopher Elg, and
executives from Florida East Coast Industries (FECI) and "All Aboard F/oridafl boarded
Marine-85 for a tour of the Loxahatchee River and the railroad bridge that transports
trains over it. All Aboard Florida proposes adding 32 passenger trains per day to the
approximately 12-14 freight trains that already cross the bridge. Concern for public
safety on land and water prompted Village Council to invite representatives of FECI and
All Aboard Florida to view the underside of the bridge and the mechanism that raises
and lowers it. �
As a train approaches, the bridge is lowered into place and, ideally, raised after the train
passes. However, the mechanism that controls the process is decades old and requires
significant maintenance and repair, which often causes the bridge to remain in the
lowered position. Doing so obstructs nearly all marine traffic and prevents Marine-85,
Tequesta's Police Patrol and cert'rfied Advanced Life Support boat, from responding to
emergencies on the other side. When the mechanism fails and cannot be lowered,
freight trains traveling north to south can block all three road crossings separating
approximately 95% of commercial, retail, and restaurants that are situated east of the
tracks from the predominantly residential neighborhoods to the west. Tequesta's Public
Safety building, which houses both fire rescue and police, is also west of the tracks.
Village Council is urging that all available bridge equipment upgrades and replacements
are considered. This will help assure that police protection and fire rescue services are
unimpeded with rapid access to both sides of the tracks.
Council also continues to pursue every opportunity to mitigate the effect this project may
have on the safety, quality of life and overall wellbeing of our entire community.
For additional information regarding the tour and other potential impacts to the Village,
contact Mayor Abby Brennan at abrennan @teauesta.orq or call (561)768.0460.
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