The bridge was built when there was heavy commercial traffic on the river. It wasn't designed to opened every twenty minutes for pleasure craft. Operating a movable span involves a lot of work and man power every time an opening occurs. It isn't just pressing a button.
If the bridge were to fail in a raised position, the railroad may be liable to its customers for delayed shipments. It is probably a situation where any fines or lawsuits are outweighed by operating costs or incidental penalties the carrier may incur. They are in the business to haul freight, not placate pleasure boaters.
The bridge was there before the boat rental companies and excursion boats arrived on the scene. The boat company owners made a poor choice of locating their businesses with out doing their homework beforehand.
I am surprised to see how many of the responders on this thread are against the railroad. It is a debatable issue, but the negative view of the railroad puzzles me. If your new Lionel locomotive was in a UPS container on a train delayed for a bridge opening and arrived a day late, you probably would not be happy.
Finally, being a career railroad employee, as well as a model railroader, I can see the question Is important to a few people ut not the railroad. But in reality, it is a non issue that seems to have risen from the newsroom floor on a slow day...
Tom
