Bridge of Danger: Rail Infrastructure Under Scrutiny

A nearly 75-year-old railroad bridge in Corvallis, Oregon, collapsed three years after a fire damaged it. Investigations reveal minimal oversight and transparency in railroad bridge safety across the U.S., leaving rail companies primarily responsible for inspections. Experts call for legislative reforms to enhance public safety nationwide.

A catastrophic railroad bridge collapse in Corvallis, Oregon, has intensified scrutiny over the safety and oversight of rail infrastructure in the United States. The incident, which occurred on January 4, 2025, involved a freight train, spilling 150,000 pounds of fertilizer into the Marys River.

This accident highlights a broader issue: the limited government oversight and transparency plaguing railroad bridge safety. A report by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism indicates that only six inspectors are responsible for the safety of 70,000 railroad bridges across the country, with 10% of railroads lacking audits on their bridge management programs.

The incident has sparked calls for legislative reforms. U.S. Representative Summer Lee plans to introduce new legislation to force transparency in railroad bridge inspections, aiming to overcome opposition from influential railroad companies and their lobbyists. This national safety concern affects districts across the political spectrum, emphasizing the urgent need for change.

(With inputs from agencies.)