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Commission backs Norfolk Southern safety changes, approves Local Road Safety Initiative application and bridge closing
Summary
The commission approved a letter of support for Norfolk Southern grade-crossing safety projects, signed a commitment for a Local Road Safety Initiative application for Kelly Creek Road with a possible county match up to $60,000, and approved closing costs for a bridge property acquisition in Raglan.
St. Clair County commissioners voted to support a package of transportation safety and grant actions, including a letter of support to Norfolk Southern for at-grade crossing safety modifications, a county commitment for a Local Road Safety Initiative (LRSI) grant application, and final approval of property acquisition costs for a bridge replacement project in Raglan.
County Engineer Dan told commissioners Norfolk Southern proposed modifications at four crossings — Argo Margaret Road, Mountain View Road, Pinedale Road and Double Bridge Road — that would add channeling in the roadway adjacent to the tracks and install bollards to make it difficult for drivers to go around lowered gates. Norfolk Southern will supply bollards and some replacement materials, and the county would be responsible for ongoing maintenance of the installations. Commissioners approved sending a letter of support to Norfolk Southern so the railroad can include the county’s support in its ALDOT grant application.
The commission also approved a commitment letter for an LRSI application focused on Kelly Creek Road, a project the county estimated at roughly $520,000 and asked to budget up to $600,000 to allow for contingencies. If the grant is awarded, the county’s required local match is 10 percent — roughly $60,000 at the $600,000 cap. Commissioners approved paying Sain & Associates $1,500 for engineering assistance tied to the LRSI application.
Separately, commissioners approved a final closing amount of $2,962.50 for property acquisition tied to a bridge replacement on County Road 21 in Raglan. That item included the closing fees and was presented by the engineer as ready for approval.
The board also approved a confidentiality agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) covering data obtained through the Hazard Elimination Improvement Program; the motion included a direction that the county attorney review any future similar agreements before execution.
All motions passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
