Unsafe CSX Bridge Opening Response Time for Boaters
There is currently a three hour wait time for CSX to open a bridge crossing the Little Manatee River in Ruskin, FL. Boaters must provide a full three hour advance notification to CSX and must wait the full three hours for passage on this waterway. In the event that CSX staff is immediately available or other safety issues exists for boaters and their passangers the three hour time frame remains concrete. There is no other route for boaters to take to avoid this bridge when utilizing this area of the river. Both residents and non-residents of this community believe that boater safety is paramount during storms, personal accidents, and other emergencies that can occur while boating. The delay in bridge opening threatens boater safety on this waterway.
We the undersigned agree that a more rapid response time is needed by CSX to open the Little Manatee River Bridge. Currently boaters must provide a full three hour advance notification to CSX and must wait the full three hours for passage on this waterway. In the event that CSX staff is immediately available or other safety issues exists for boaters and their passangers the three hour time frame remains concrete. There is no other route for boaters to take to avoid this bridge when utilizing this area of the river. Both residents and non-residents of this community believe that boater safety is paramount during storms, personal accidents, and other emergencies that can occur while boating. The delay in bridge opening threatens boater safety on this waterway and must be immediately addressed. Thank your for taking the time to hear our concerns.
