Closure of Smith Street Railroad Crossing Rescheduled
The N.C. Department of Transportation(NCDOT) has postponed the permanent closure of the Smith Street railroad crossing in Gibsonville until Aug. 8th.
The crossing was initially slated to close on July 11th, but NCDOT officials say they have delayed the closing to August at the town’s request to allow more time to consider other traffic changes in the area.
As part of a pilot project, the department will change the traffic pattern at Springwood Avenue, Alamance Street, Railroad Avenue intersection and then evaluate traffic impacts. State transportation officials say the delayed closing also gives motorists time to adjust to the opening of the Western Alamance Loop, which is anticipated on July 15th.
The Smith Street crossing closure comes as part of an overall plan to improve safety for motorists, rail passengers and train crews in Guilford County. State transportation officials have been working with the town of Gibsonville since 2002 to evaluate traffic flow around the railroad and identify ways to improve safety. Eight daily trains travel through Gibsonville at maximum speeds of 79 mph.
Since 1978 there have been three train/vehicle collisions at Smith Street. The Smith Street crossing is considered redundant since it is so close to other rail highway crossings, and therefore a good candidate for closure.
Motorists still will be able to cross the railroad at Springwood Avenue 180 feet east and Joyner Street located 420 feet west of Smith Street. A bridge for NC 61 is also located between Smith Street and Joyner Street.
As part of the permanent closure, Gibsonville will receive a $25,000 cash incentive payment from Norfolk Southern that may be used at the Town’s discretion. NCDOT will also provide a $7,500 match, to be used for highway transportation safety purposes. The crossing will be barricaded and landscaped by NCDOT at no cost to the town.
NCDOT has also offered to resurface a portion of Railroad Avenue, remove the inactive industrial rail spur that crosses Railroad Avenue at Smith Street and will review the need for a traffic signal at the Springwood Avenue/Alamance Street/Railroad Avenue intersection. These improvements are estimated at $200,000 and will be completed at no cost to Gibsonville. Norfolk Southern and NCDOT forces will remove the Smith Street crossing on August 8th.