UPDATE: The City of Troy is moving swiftly to address urgent safety concerns, announcing plans to submit an application for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) aimed at funding critical bridge repairs. This decision comes after the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) reclassified the weight limit for the Elm Street Bridge, which has been deemed unsafe for firetrucks due to significant deterioration.
During a public hearing held on January 22, 2024, city officials highlighted the dire implications of this bridge’s condition, particularly for emergency services. The bridge, located adjacent to the police department in downtown Troy, was built in the 1930s and is now unable to support essential emergency vehicles, creating the potential for devastating delays.
Troy Fire Chief Michael Stephens emphasized the critical nature of the bridge repair, stating, “It is extremely important for emergency services. Station 1 is centrally located in the City of Troy, and the railroad tracks pretty much cut their territory in half.” He added that when a train is stopped on the tracks, up to five access points can be blocked simultaneously, severely impacting response times.
Currently, the average response time for fire trucks crossing the bridge to reach emergencies is just 50 seconds and 0.2 miles. However, without access, that time skyrockets to over eight minutes and 3.1 miles from Station 1. Fire trucks from Station 2 face similar delays, with response times extending from three minutes and 1.7 miles to more than 11 minutes and 7.2 miles.
“It adds minutes to every call,” Chief Stephens remarked. “If you’re talking structure fires, they usually double every 20-30 seconds. Time is everything with us; seconds literally count.”
To address this pressing need, the city is seeking a total of $1.2 million for the project, which includes a $500,000 commitment from ADECA and a $700,000 match from the city, excluding engineering costs. The city council is set to review and vote on the grant application at its next meeting on January 27, 2024.
The urgency of these repairs cannot be overstated, as the safety of Troy’s residents hinges on the ability of emergency services to respond quickly. As discussions continue, the city is urging residents to stay informed and engaged with the process, stressing that every second counts in life-and-death situations.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as the City of Troy takes critical steps towards ensuring public safety and improving emergency response times.