CSX railroad crossing upgrades will trap people in their neighborhood

EMPLOYEE: CSX cuts creating longer trains, delays for neighbors

Scheduled work on the railroad crossing at County Road 209B in Clay County will block more than 80 families from getting out of their neighborhood, neighbors tell Action News Jax.

CSX is expected to make upgrades to the crossing Tuesday and Wednesday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Neighbors say CSX  usually provides an alternative route during construction, but this time they don’t have that option.

“Tomorrow it will feel like I’m being kept from my own home or in my own home,” said Deborah Callicott.

Callicott said she has health issues that make walking difficult, and her daughter has two doctor appointments Tuesday.

She said a CSX crew employee told her she could park and walk.  “I pulled up her handicapped parking plaque,” she said. “I said, ‘she can’t walk like that’.”

The railway said in a statement which reads:  “CSX invests heavily in infrastructure maintenance and upgrades to ensure the safe, reliable movement of trains, and the safety of our employees and the communities in which we operate.

CSX has been working closely with Clay County officials to schedule temporary road closures, including County Road 209B near Russell Road, that will enable CSX crews to replace crossties and repave the asphalt to provide a safe, smooth surface for drivers.

STORY: CSX trains making Baldwin students late for school

Information about the crossing closures have been posted on the Clay County website since January 18, 2018.

Last week, CSX posted message boards at CR 209B to remind local residents of the work that is scheduled to begin Wednesday.

CSX has developed a work schedule that enables residents of adjacent neighborhoods to cross the tracks during peak travel times on CR 209B in the morning and evening. CSX has also coordinated with local first responders to position emergency services.

The crossing at CR 209B will be closed from approximately 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6 and from approximately 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7.

Passengers describe bloody scene of Amtrak, CSX train collision Passengers describe bloody scene of Amtrak, CSX train collision

CSX added: "We understand this may be inconvenient and we appreciate the public's patience while we complete this work, which is critical to ensuring the safety of motorists using these crossings and a safe, reliable freight rail network."

A Clay County Fire Rescue official said they will have an ambulance and fire truck inside the tracks and will disrupt the work if there’s a catastrophic event.

Cox Media Group