The integrity of this bridge over the main channel between Syracuse Lake and Wawasee Lake is causing great concern not only for the environment of the lake, but also the community. (Photos by Deb Patterson)

The condition of the railroad bridge over the channel connecting Syracuse and Wawasee lakes is causing not only concern for the upcoming holiday weekend, but a larger, and possibly devastating concern for the lake and the community.

This was a topic discussed at the annual Wawasee Property Owners Association public board meeting this morning, Saturday, June 13, at Oakwood Resort, Syracuse.

Tom Tuttle, board member, expressed immediate concern about the bridge after noticing the east side is unusable. Concrete has fallen into the water causing navigational issues, resulting in prop damage for some. He feels this will be a nightmare July 3 and 4 with numerous boaters traveling to either lake for fireworks. This also led to a larger concern.

Cracks in a south support wall, deterioration of the side walls, missing concrete on the top of the bridge showing rusted metal beams/bars were noted.

It was noted Becky Fox, president of the Syracuse Lake Association, has been in contact with CSX year after year regarding the bridge’s condition.

Carolyn Anderson, board member, expressed concern over the integrity of the bridge, recalling a train derailment last month (and earlier in the year in West Virginia) causing a major fire, could have gone through Syracuse and over that bridge. She noted a train will pull 100 crude oil cars carrying 3 million gallons per car. Even empty the tank could contain 3,000 gallons. “A derailment will be a terrible issue for us.

“It’s a very serious issue in this area,” said Anderson, suggesting there was an obligation to study the issue.

Jane Finch, board member, stated WACF has and is discussing the issue. The problem for all attempts to resolve the problem is finding the correct person.

It was mentioned it has been heard CSX has stopped running two trains simultaneously over the bridge. Jerry Babb, board member, noted the bridge is to be inspected every year and it may be the only way to solve the issue is wait until there is an accident and get the Environmental Protection Agency involved. By then it will be too late.

Steve Snyder, vice president of the WPOA board and lawyer, noted towns and cities can force railroad companies to repair railroad crossings, but he has no idea how this applies to the bridge. He stated the CSX line is the most heavily traveled line with 100 million tons of crude oil being hauled each year. “Oil is not the heaviest,” he stated. “There is other stuff that is more hazardous,” indicating molten sulfur is also going through the area.

He stated CSX spends $2.5 billion a year on bridge repair all over their system, but it is unknown where the local bridge is on that list. He also suggested checking the National Transportation Safety Board and/or National Railway Administration’s websites to see if inspection reports can be found.

Following further comments, Kay Young, WPOA board president, stated she will get with Heather Harwood, executive director of WACF and Fox in the next week to develop a plan of action.

(EDITOR’S NOTE: InkFreeNews.com is attempting to contact officials to obtain a copy of the latest inspection report on the bridge)

During other business:

• Treasurers report shows there are 1,198 members with 883 still eligible. The fireworks fund is at $48,097.97, with $1,500 still needed. It was also noted donations of $9,214.68 have been received toward the purchase of a new patrol boat. There is $41,000 available.
• Jane Finch reported from the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation: receipt of a  $15,000 grant from U.S. Fish and Wildlife, combined with $1,000 from the state and $750 from local funds to remove invasive plant species along their SR 13 property and a $20,000 Lake and River Enhancement grant for a survey plan update on invasive weeds in Syracuse Lake and Wawasee Lake. She also noted upcoming events for WACF.
• Upcoming WPOA events noted included: the WPOA/SLA family breakfast 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Saturday, June 20, at Oakwood Resort with up to 13 non-profit organizations having displays; July 4 Flotilla at 1:30 p.m. with fireworks at 10:15 p.m.
• Annual WPOA dinner featuring Biff and the Cruisers will be at 6 p.m. Aug. 8, on the WACF property. Dinner will be catered by Sleepy Owl. Further details will be mailed to the members.