City Concludes Response to Train Trestle Collapse

January 6, 2025 - City of Corvallis public safety officials have concluded their initial response at the site of a January 4 trestle bridge incident near Avery Park in Corvallis. The wooden trestle experienced a structural failure, causing a rail car operated by Portland & Western Railroad Inc. to fall into the Marys River. The train was carrying agricultural fertilizer components.

First responders from Corvallis Police and Fire were on scene for about six hours on Saturday, January 4 to stabilize the event and ensure public safety. The incident has been turned over to Portland & Western for cleanup, which could run several days.

The railroad company moved quickly to deploy resources to the scene of the incident. Recovery efforts to remove the train cars are underway. The railroad company is coordinating with state agencies on environmental assessments. Corvallis officials note that City's main water intake on the Willamette River is located about two miles upstream of the incident site, so there is no risk of contamination for the City's drinking water supply.

Avery Park Drive, which is a popular travel route to and from South Corvallis, will remain closed for the time being as recovery efforts continue. Members of the public are advised to follow all posted road closures and detours. The Marys River is extremely dangerous at this time of year, so please avoid the riverbank and river channel for your safety.

Portland & Western Railroad media contact: tom.ciuba@gwrr.com

City of Corvallis media contact: patrick.rollens@corvallisoregon.gov