By Bonita Wilborn
State and local lawmakers recently met with state highway officials and Norfolk Southern railroad officials to discuss concerns about increased train traffic that has resulted in blocked crossings that make it difficult for first responders who need quick access during times of emergency.
While having to wait for an occasional train to pass can seem inopportune and aggravating for the general public, when first responders such as ambulance personnel are faced with finding an open crossing as much as a mile farther down the street, it can mean the difference between life and death when they need to reach a home or business on the opposite side of the railroad track.
The DeKalb County towns affected by these issues are Valley Head, Fort Payne, and Collinsville, as they are all located in areas where the Norfolk Southern Railroad passes through on a daily basis. In Fort Payne, three of its four school campuses are located on the east side of the train tracks, but Fort Payne Fire and Rescue operates its main station on the west side of the train tracks.
It is common for residents and those passing through Fort Payne to find intersections obstructed for up to 20 blocks, as trains traveling in different directions use the side track extending from 5th Street NE to 22nd Street SE, on a daily basis.
Norfolk Southern Media Relations Manager Connor Spielmaker said the railroad is working with local leaders to benefit the community. According to Spielmaker the number of trains passing through Fort Payne is reflective of the city’s importance as a host of “siding”, the switch track running parallel to the main track that allows trains traveling in different directions to meet or to pass each other. He said, “Without the ability to pass, traffic would become completely gridlocked.”
Spielmaker said there are currently no plans to add additional track through Fort Payne, and commented that instances of train cars coming unlinked and blocking multiple crossings in Fort Payne for several hours at a time, would be a mechanical issue requiring a mechanic to be dispatched from the closest location to inspect and fix the problem.
Spielmaker acknowledged that blocked crossings are frustrating and that infrastructure needs change, but it will take a lot of time to see that happen.
It seems that this is a case of taking the bad along with good. As railway volume has increased in this area, Fort Payne has seen a lot of growth. When those two areas of growth intersect the governing entities must identify solutions to the problems caused by the growth.
Identifying some solutions was the purpose of the recent meeting with officials from Norfolk Southern, state and local officials, and Alabama Department of Transportation representatives.