Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of closing these railroad crossings?
Safety is the primary purpose for closing these crossings in Clayton – that includes the safety of motorists, pedestrians, rail passengers, and train crews. Eliminating the crossings and making the proposed improvements reduces the potential for train/vehicle collisions.
Why were these crossings selected for closure?
Crossings were identified for closure after an evaluation of the nine public at-grade crossings included in the Clayton Traffic Separation Study. The crossings evaluated include Shotwell Road, West Stallings Street, Robertson Street, O’Neill Street, Fayetteville Street, Church Street, Smith Street, Central Street and NC 42. During the study, the NCDOT worked with the Town’s staff and Council members on recommendations and suggestions to implement the process of constructing improvements / initiating closures.
Many people use the Smith Street crossing to access churches, daycares and other business in the community. Why not leave this crossing open?
There were many reasons why the city and NCDOT chose to close Smith Street:
- There has been a fatality at Smith Street (March 1998) from a train/vehicle crash.
- The Smith Street crossing is a “humped” crossing (hard for motorists to see over from either direction).
- It is also a redundant crossing, meaning there are two other nearby crossings that motorists can use. Central Street is 0.2 mile away (1,050 feet) and Church Street is 0.4 mile away (1,950 feet).
These issues make the Smith Street crossing an excellent candidate for closure. The Smith Street closure is anticipated to be completed in Spring 2008 with the improvements at Central Street.
Can crossing arms be installed at Smith Street in lieu of closure?
While crossing arms and gates can improve safety, closing the crossing is the most effective solution at this location, since gates will not alleviate the “humped” nature of the crossing or its redundancy.
People have been crossing the tracks between Church Street and Smith Street for years. Why eliminate that crossing now?
The pedestrian crossing is considered unsafe. The crossing is currently posted “No Trespassing.” The presence of steps is an incentive for people to use it illegally. Also, people cross the tracks at various points, not just where the steps are. The topography also slopes steeply at several areas, making it difficult for pedestrians to see oncoming trains and auto traffic. This creates additional hazards for trespassers in the event of an approaching train.
What are the benefits of the proposed Pedestrian Grade Separation?
How will that be paid for?
An $800,000 grant from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will contribute to the planning, engineering, design and construction of a pedestrian underpass in the town of Clayton. The NCDOT, NCRR, Norfolk Southern and town of Clayton also have agreed to contribute funds. The underpass will provide a safe, secure, and convenient path for pedestrians from a residential neighborhood to reach the downtown area with its grocery stores, shopping, jobs, and government offices.
The FRA believes the Pedestrian Grade Separation can serve as a model for improving rail safety. With the underpass, not only will pedestrians be separated from train traffic along a section of track that has a history of trespass incidents, safety will be increased at other locations by allowing for the closure of nearby at-grade crossings.
In February 2007 the NCDOT and Town of Clayton held a public design analysis meeting. Approximately 200 people were in attendance. The main comments express concerned the need for a full access grade separation. The department is currently evaluating the engineering feasibility of this.
Who can answer additional questions about this project?
Nancy Horne, PE
(919) 715-3686
email: nmhorne@dot.state.nc.us
|
|
|
|
