Many years ago, Union Pacific (UP) built rail road through what is now Pope County. City's effected by the railroad boom would soon be known to be London, Russellville, Pottsville, and Atkins. In many parts of the region, UP had to make a choice, build to the topography, or build level to save on coal usage. In one single area, located in Pottsville, the rail line was above the road, thus a bridge was constructed.
Years and years of automotive evolution proved to be a burden in the modern day. Pottsville City Police have responded to over 30,000 Simi-truck vs. bridge accidents since the year 2000 [Needs Citation].
In response to the repeated abuse to the concrete structure, the city of Pottsville has elected to brick in River Road, at the UP bridge, which will end up costing tax payers roughly $105,000.56. The price listed including brick, mortar, Russellville felon labor, and sales tax.
During an interview with NNN, Shirley, local River Road resident, gave her feed back, "So what if Swift hits the bridge every week!? It's not like you can pull the **** thing down in a river like that guy did in Ola! I need my Mistys every week and you must be **** funny if you think I'm driving around the world too the 64 Shell Station every week."
Sgt. Scotty Manning, with the Pottsville Police Department, stated, "The City has spent over $3,000 on gas and emergency light bills per year on Train Bridge Abuse. It has become a burden on the tax payers and millions that travel the route, so something has to change."
Billy, another River Road local, was against it from the beginning stating, "Im on a fixed income, how am I suppose to get to Blackwell in my 87 Ford without using an extra gallon of gas a week? I NEED MY MILLERS. Gas ain't cheep!"
There are many pros and cons on the issue, but it seams the city is set on construction, but for the millions that travel River Road, you will be able to access US64 via the Butterfield Bypass, Ash St and Tyler, and other random roads.
Below is a art rendering of what will become the River Road Anti-Truck Wall.
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