Railroad proposes closure of two crossings in city

At Monday night’s council meeting, a public hearing was held to discuss the closing of two Norfolk Southern railroad grade crossings in the city limits of Russellville.

The two crossings being discussed were the crossing at Franks Circle/McKinley Street and the crossing on Guard Street.

Officials from Norfolk Southern recently evaluated the crossings in the city of Russellville and determined these two crossings to be unnecessary.

William Miller with Norfolk Southern was present at the hearing and said the reason for the proposed closing of those two crossings was for safety reasons.

“By closing these two crossings, it will direct traffic to a nearby crossing that is safer,” Miller said.

He added that the two crossings were not necessary since they were located so close to crossings that have safety features such as crossing gates, flashing lights, and warning tones.

No comments in opposition to the closing were made during the hearing.

Andy Laster, with the Alabama Department of Transportation, said he will receive public comments on the issue up until Monday, Nov. 25.

He said he will then make a recommendation to the director of transportation who will make a final determination on the closing of the two crossings.