When PC was forced to absorb the NH, they were also forced to route traffic from southern New England at a certain level (half of it?) over the bridge for the benefit of the EL. PC had its own line to Chicago and hated short-hauling freight out of New England to Maybrook but was legally bound to- until the bridge was severed. It was then able to keep it on its own rails and keep more of the revenue generated.
I was at a public meeting (1984?) that discussed the bridge's condition and what to do with it. Basically, the bridge needed only minor repair to bring it up to an E70 (70,000lbs per axle, I think) and was good for E50 as it then stood. The REAL expense was in the need to repaint.
Central Hudson did have lines over the bridge, and paid Conrail rent. When the crook from Pennsylvania "bought" the bridge, he jacked up the rent and the utility made plans to bury the cable under the river (which they did do).
I was at a public meeting (1984?) that discussed the bridge's condition and what to do with it. Basically, the bridge needed only minor repair to bring it up to an E70 (70,000lbs per axle, I think) and was good for E50 as it then stood. The REAL expense was in the need to repaint.
Central Hudson did have lines over the bridge, and paid Conrail rent. When the crook from Pennsylvania "bought" the bridge, he jacked up the rent and the utility made plans to bury the cable under the river (which they did do).