"Right to know:" Provision to make railroad bridge inspection reports public headed to White House
MILWAUKEE -- It is your safety -- so it's your business. A provision to make railroad bridge inspection reports public will make its way to the White House for the president's signature. City leaders are reacting to changes at the federal level that began here in Milwaukee.
The new rule follows a FOX6 investigation spanning six months -- into the Canadian Pacific railroad bridge over S. 1st Street in Milwaukee.
S. 1st Street railroad bridge
FOX6's reports exposed not just corroded columns supporting the bridge -- but a bigger issue. How is it that railroad companies can keep their inspection reports private -- so that no one can see them?
Senator Tammy Baldwin
"The public has a right to know, especially city leaders, and we need to be able to insist upon repairs when necessary," Senator Tammy Baldwin said.
Baldwin's provision to require the railroad companies turn over their most recent inspection reports to the federal government has now been included in the transportation bill moving through Congress.
"I'm very thankful to Senator Baldwin, and I'm thankful to Channel 6 as well because you've bird-dogged this," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.
Repairs are already underway at the S. 1st Street Bridge.
Canadian Pacific plans to repair S. 1st Street bridge
"I'm happy to see this is moving along," Milwaukee Alderman Terry Witkowski said.
Three foot high concrete walls will be poured to encase the corroded columns FOX6 focused on.
The railroad company says the repairs will extend the life of the bridge.
Canadian Pacific plans to repair S. 1st Street bridge
"I can't wait for the law to take effect, so we can actually learn what's going on. The cooperation was not there from the railroads prior to this," Alderman Witkowski said.
The transportation bill, with Senator Baldwin's bridge provision will be voted on this week. It is expected to pass, and then receive the president's signature.
S. 1st Street bridge - Fifth Ward
"This is truly something that could help people sleep better at night," Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett said.
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