News Release
Date: 3-20-08

RALEIGH — The N.C. Department of Transportation has installed four quadrant gates and improved the crossing signals at the intersection of Blue Ridge Road (State Road 2500) and the Norfolk Southern  Railways tracks near Swannanoa.

The $260,806 project was paid for with 90 percent federal funds and 10 percent state funds from NCDOT. Norfolk Southern and NCDOT will split the cost to maintain the crossing. 

As many as 24 freight trains travel through the crossing daily, at speeds up to 45 miles per hour.

This Buncombe County project is 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