24-07-2025
‘It was on its way out': Huntsville bridge collapses months before repairs would have started
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — Construction crews were out and working on the Aldridge Creek Greenway Wednesday after a bridge collapsed along the trail Tuesday morning.
The trestle bridge collapsed, dropping two rail cars into the creek below. Huntsville Madison County Railroad Authority (HMCR) said no one was injured and the train cars were not carrying any hazardous materials.
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The Aldridge Creek Greenway is a popular spot for people across the Tennessee Valley to enjoy various outdoor activities. Some runners, like Abraham Flores, said they were not aware of the trestle bridge collapse until they encountered roadblocks from construction crews along the trail Wednesday.
'I was just running on the trail. I parked at Challenger, running down it. And I noticed it was closed off, and I was really confused,' Flores said. 'I thought about going around it, but I was like, I think there's a reason.'
That reason is that greenway space surrounding the bridge is closed to the public due to an ongoing federal investigation into the collapse, along with keeping trail users safe.
Holly Weber grew up near the creek and said the bridge has been deteriorating for quite some time, saying the weather was a large factor in its structural integrity.
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'I couldn't believe it finally came down. It looked like it was on its way out, but it kind of sucks to see it go,' Weber said. 'The wood was in bad shape. The creek floods a lot, so over the years, there was a lot of water damage to it.'
Governor Ivey awarded the HMCR a $1 million grant in 2024, dedicated to repairing railroads, including the Aldridge Creek bridge.
In a press release from The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, Ivey speaks of the railroad's industrial importance.
'The Huntsville and Madison County Railroad Authority has been an important short-line railroad that for years has dutifully served multiple industries.
I am pleased to announce this funding for the upgrades that will help the rail system continue providing vital service for area industries for years to come.'
Governor Kay Ivey
Mark Lumb with the HMCR said those funds will be available in October, and repairs to the bridge and railroad could start around then. Although there is no start date or plan in place without the funding.
Those repairs will now take several months and could cost more than the grant.
The greenway area surrounding the bridge will be closed while the investigation continues, and will likely remain closed after its completion for repairs.
It is unclear if industries that receive materials due to this train's operation will be impacted.
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