Stephanie Lloyd says she could’ve been killed two weeks ago while in West Philadelphia. But it wasn’t a person or animal who threatened her life. Instead, she says, it was a bridge with a very dangerous history.
Lloyd was stuck in traffic while underneath the 52nd Street Bridge at Lancaster when she heard a pop.
“I thought I popped my tire,” she said.
But instead, the sound was actually a piece of metal striking her car. A 30-pound metal slab from the bridge landed on her vehicle, causing a huge dent.
Ever since her close call, Lloyd says she now thinks twice about driving under a bridge.
“I look to see if something is missing or if something is going to fall,” she said.
Dr. Joseph Martin, a civil engineer, says the 52nd Street Bridge is a “threat to the public.” Martin inspected the bridge five years ago after residents started complaining about parts falling from it. Shortly after his inspection, Amtrak made repairs. However, the bridge still had issues even after that.
“It could kill you,” said Martin. “It’s very dangerous.”
Martin believes the metal that struck Lloyd’s car is an old tie plate likely left behind after railroad workers replaced it.
“Since it’s on a bridge and the bridge shakes with every train it eventually shook off the edge,” said Martin.
City councilman Curtis Jones says for years residents have complained about the bridge while he has voiced those complaints to Amtrak.
“We went out there and did a spot check and saw projectiles that are obviously railroad spikes,” he said. “Someone shouldn’t have to die in order for them to move on this issue.”
An Amtrak spokesperson told NBC10’s Harry Hairston that the bridge is safe and that the track is inspected twice a week. Jones says however that a city council committee will release a report to the council about the bridge on Friday. Jones also says the council may close the intersection and eventually sue Amtrak.
Photo Credit: NBC10.com