Bainbridge NY Underpass Evaluated for Elimination

State Studies Ending Hazard of Bainbridge Rail Underpass

Binghamton Press, February 1960

 

 

Elimination of a hazardous railroad underpass in Route 7 in Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY]--scene of 16 accidents in 13 months--is "under active study" by state highway officials.

 

Joseph C. Federick, district engineer for the State Department of Public Works, at Binghamton, said his department has completed an engineering survey aimed at eliminating the sharp right-angle turn.  The survey contemplates reconstruction to provide for a railroad grade separation, or an overpass,  he said.  "We long have recognized the hazardous condition there and have been working actively to correct it," he said.  Mr. Frederick was unable to place a timetable on the project at this time.  He said only that reconstruction is "under active study." 

 

The announcement comes on top of a report submitted to Bainbridge Village Board this week which showed there were 16 accidents at the underpass in the 13-month period form Jan. 1, 1959 to last Sunday.  The report, compiled by Bainbridge Police Chief William S. Payne, said six of the accidents involved serious personal injuries.  In one of the six, six persons required medical attention.  In addition, two tractor-trailer accidents caused cargo damage estimated at $4,800.  In one, some $800 worth of machinery was damaged, while in the other a loss of $4,000 was estimated when plate glass protruding from the top of a truck was shattered.  In each case, the truck accidents happened as the rigs went up a small rise at the south end of the underpass, thus putting the cargo in contact with the top of the underpass.

 

The six-injury accident happened last month at a "blind spot" just south of the underpass when the driver of a northbound car attempted to make a left turn from South Main Street into Pearl Street.  One man was admitted to the Hospital, Sidney and five other persons were treated and discharged.

 

The Village Board has sent a copy of the report to Mr Federick's office along with a request for early action aimed at elimination of the "hazard."  Mayor Milton Simonds said, "Luckily and happily there have been no deaths there yet.  It is time to take action now before someone is killed there."