URGENT UPDATE: The City of Troy is taking swift action to secure funding for critical bridge improvements that are essential for emergency services. A public hearing held on January 22, 2023, focused on the city’s application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Urgent Need grant aimed at upgrading the Elm Street Bridge, which has been deemed unsafe for firetrucks due to structural deterioration.
This bridge, located near the police department in downtown Troy, is now restricted for heavy vehicles after the State of Alabama reclassified its weight limit. The bridge, built in the 1930s, plays a crucial role in emergency response, especially given the frequent train traffic that can block access points to emergency services. Fire Chief Michael Stephens warns that delays caused by these restrictions could be costly.
“Time is everything with us; seconds literally count,” Chief Stephens stated, emphasizing that response times from Station 1 could increase from 50 seconds and 0.2 miles to a staggering eight minutes and 3.1 miles if firetrucks cannot use the bridge. Similarly, fire trucks from Station 2 would see their response time surge from three minutes and 1.7 miles to over 11 minutes and 7.2 miles.
The implications of these delays can be dire. In emergencies like structure fires, every second matters. “It adds minutes to every call,” Chief Stephens warned, stressing the urgency of the situation.
To address this pressing need, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) has already committed $500,000 from the CDBG Urgent Need grant. The city plans to match this with $700,000, excluding additional engineering costs. The city council will review and vote on the grant application during its upcoming meeting on January 27, 2023.
The outcome of this application is critical as the community grapples with the potential risks posed by the bridge’s current status. With emergency services relying on swift access, the urgency for improvements cannot be overstated. Residents are encouraged to stay informed as this situation develops, given the immediate impact on public safety and emergency response capabilities.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as Troy prioritizes the safety and efficiency of its emergency services.
