Footage from 10/11 News captured the moment a bridge collapsed in Lincoln Monday morning. (Courtesy 10/11 News)
By Jackie Ourada, Nebraska Public Media
A railroad bridge in west Lincoln, near the Haymarket Park baseball stadium, is a “total loss” after it caught fire early Monday morning around 3:45 a.m. and subsequently collapsed a few hours later.
No arrests have been made in connection to the fire, and no injuries were reported. Lincoln Fire and Rescue spokesperson MJ Lierman said the area is a known spot for tent encampments. The bridge is in an area that’s close to several large organizations that help people who are experiencing homelessness. Lierman acknowledged that fire activity could be to blame, especially since temperatures dipped to single digits in the Capital City overnight.
A spokesperson for the Lincoln Police Department said Monday morning that the investigation into the fire is open. If the cause of the fire is found to be arson, the case will be assigned to LPD for further investigation.
Lierman told reporters that it was difficult for first responders to access the bridge, since nearby roads were limited-access roads that can’t support fire rigs and firetrucks.
“Getting a fire engine there is really difficult,” Lierman said. “We did call our brush rig because the grass was on fire , and it was spreading. But the structure, the bridge itself, is pretty much going to be burning itself out. It’s a total loss.”
Crews also called in the Air Guard and water tankers to assist, but she said the brush rig was the best option, since temps were so cold and water was freezing up.
Lierman said she doesn’t have cost estimates as to how much of a financial loss this will be for Union Pacific, which she was told was the rail company that controls that rail line. It was used periodically by Union Pacific and BNSF. She said there was a route scheduled for Tuesday on that track.
A spokesperson for Union Pacific told Nebraska Public Media News Tuesday afternoon that it has an engineering team out surveying the wreckage.
Lincoln’s Parks and Recreation Department closed the paved portion of the Salt Creek Levee bike and walking trail near the bridge collapse. Trails users must now use the limestone trail just east of the paved path to avoid the bridge underpasses. The city recommends people walking and biking near the area to use caution for emergency and repair crews.
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