For Mantua Creek boaters in Paulsboro, another lost summer

Another lost summer is in store for boaters in Mantua Creek, a lingering consequence of the November 2012 train derailment in Paulsboro.

Marine traffic in the creek, which leads to the Delaware River, will continue to be stifled by bridge construction for nearly a year longer, according to a work update released by Conrail on Wednesday.

The rail company - which is replacing the bridge at East Jefferson Street where the derailment and chemical spill occurred - announced it expected work on the new bridge's lift mechanism to be complete by April 1, 2016.

The new bridge currently accommodates rail traffic, but blocks boaters because it cannot be opened.

In its statement Wednesday, Conrail cited issues with the "fabrication of certain elements of the movable bridge mechanism," and said it had secured a new provider. Rail company officials had previously predicted the bridge would be complete in 2014, and, more recently, this summer.

Conrail spokesman Michael Hotra said the company projects the bridge will be done at some point between Dec. 1 and April 1, when boating season resumes.

Residents with boats in the area have complained about the slow progress of construction and their inability to access the river.

"We appreciate the inconvenience that this creates to boaters and slip holders who enjoy Mantua Creek, and we very much regret the delay," the company said. "Conrail will respond to boaters in the community who are impacted by this delay."

Borough Councilman Gary Stevenson, who recently won the Democratic mayoral primary election and is unopposed in the general election, said he felt for boaters, including neighbors, affected by the closure. Some, he said, have purchased slips elsewhere.

"I do miss watching the boats go through," said Stevenson, whose home overlooks the creek and the bridge.

But, Stevenson said, "history has taught us what happens when we try to rush things."

"Disaster happens," he said. "Conrail - they're not making any extra money by keeping the bridge closed to boat traffic. I'm on the side of safety."

The derailment occurred when a freight train attempted to cross the aging, swing-style bridge - which had a number of previous issues - against a red light. Federal transportation officials found that the locking devices holding the bridge in place were not secure. Seven cars derailed, four into the creek, causing one to rupture and release 20,000 gallons of toxic vinyl chloride.

News of the continued delays in the completion of the bridge arrived two days after a judge dismissed part of Paulsboro's lawsuit against Conrail.

U.S. District Judge Robert B. Kugler ruled Monday that the borough could not seek damages from the company for a "stigma" associated with the derailment.

The town had contended that the negative attention could discourage residents and businesses from locating in the borough, and that lower property values, and property-tax collections, were feared. Other claims dealing with the town's public schools will move forward.