CSX work at rail crossings jams up Tampa traffic
Written by RT&S Staff
David C. Lester
CSX may not be sticking to its own schedules in the city of Tampa. The Class 1 railroad company has been doing rail maintenance this week, and roads where the activity has been taking place have been chaotic, according to officials.
CSX did the proper warning, notifying residents it would be closing streets for maintenance on railroad crossings leading up to the repair work. Some of the work was going to last up to five days and a total of 19 streets would have to be closed.
However, Tampa officials are saying CSX is not following its plan, closing some crossings where work is not even being performed. Traffic delays have been common, with some 10-minute trips taking 60 to 90 minutes.
The city of Tampa says CSX also did not file for rights-of-way permits, which would have allowed the city to take some steps that would lessen the traffic impact. Proper notice would have resulted in detours.
Tampa Mayor Jane Castor was planning on talking with CSX on Feb. 26.
“As part of the company’s critical infrastructure maintenance program, CSX is conducting repairs on highway-rail grade crossings throughout Tampa,” CSX said in a statement. “CSX apologizes to residents who may be impacted by this and we appreciate the public’s patience while we complete this important work, which is critical to ensuring the safety of motorists using these crossings and to maintaining a safe, reliable rail network.”
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