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Paulsboro Officials Seeking More Money To Improve Rail Infrastructure In NJ

By Cherri Gregg

PAULSBORO, N.J. (CBS) - Local officials in Paulsboro, New Jersey say they are pushing for more federal support in repairing railroad infrastructure to ensure that the train derailment that happened on Friday (see related story) never happens again.

"We cannot be at risk any further with this bridge," New Jersey State Senate President Steve Sweeney says.

Sweeney represents Paulsboro. He says the collapsed bridge was built in 1873 and even with maintenance, it still is not designed to support the weight of modern day trains.

"This bridge has to be replaced with a more modern bridge to at least reduce the chance for accidents," he said

VIEW: Photos From The Scene

As part of its investigation of the train derailment, the National Transportation Safety Board says it is looking at what could have the bridge to collapse, noting that it's the second time in three years that the bridge fell apart.

"The bridge was closed for approximately two weeks for rebuilding," NTSB Chair Deborah Hersman says. "We are looking at records to see what was done."

Hersman says rails were to be inspected weekly and the bridge once every three months.

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