After an inspection found nearly a dozen bridges in Binghamton owned by Norfolk Southern Railroad to be in poor condition, the company has agreed to meet with the city to discuss safety concerns.

Additionally, the Federal Railroad Administration will be conducting its own review to help find which concerns pose the greatest threat to safety. 

This all comes as cities across the state continue to express concerns over railroad safety following the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

Since most railroad bridges are owned and maintained by private companies, cities themselves aren’t allowed to fix them. When Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham and other mayors called on the companies to consider repairs, they were told to provide proof. In Binghamton, that led to a city-funded private inspection and recently released a 900-page report with more concerns than many could have expected.

Crumbling columns and exposed rebar can be found on many of these bridges.

"Mayor Kraham's inspection of Binghamton's railroad bridges has uncovered critical safety and structural issues that demand our immediate attention. Tragedy struck in East Palestine, Ohio because of neglect. We can’t let that happen here and must protect the families, workers, and students that live and work near these bridges," Republican U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro said in a statement. "Together with Mayor Kraham, we pressed the Federal Railroad Administration to act swiftly. This federal investigation is a crucial step towards accountability and safeguarding our community. We cannot allow history to repeat itself in Binghamton."