RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation has made crossing safety improvements at two intersections in Alexander County.

NCDOT installed crossing signals and gates at the intersection of Lewittes Road (State Road 1420) and the Alexander Railroad tracks near Taylorsville. The $172,893 project was paid for with 90 percent federal funds and 10 percent state funds from NCDOT. As many as two freight trains travel through the crossing daily at speeds up to 20 miles per hour.

In Hiddenite, NCDOT installed crossing signals and gates at the intersection of Sulpher Springs Road (S.R. 1001) and the Alexander Railroad tracks. The $205,280 project was paid for with 90 percent federal funds and 10 percent state funds from NCDOT. Between two and four freight trains use this crossing daily at speeds up to 20 mph.

Alexander Railroad Company and NCDOT will split the cost to maintain the crossings at both intersections.

These Alexander County projects are part of a comprehensive statewide program to enhance highway safety by adding or improving signals and gates at public railroad crossings. Mechanical warning devices are now in place at more than 2,400 of North Carolina's 4,121 public at-grade crossings.

 ***NCDOT***

Contact:
Joan Bagherpour, 919-733-7245 x261
NCDOT Rail Division