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Council members report town-hall on railroad blockages; permanent transfer station may take years
Summary
Councilmembers who held a town-hall said Norfolk Southern train operations cause repeated blockages in the city of Chester and that a new transfer station funded by federal and local sources is planned but may take two years to reach service.
Councilmembers who organized a recent town-hall on railroad blockages reported on local frustrations with long freight trains that block crossings across the city of Chester.
Councilman Guy and other panelists said three rail companies operate in the city'Norfolk Southern, CFX and CSX'but identified Norfolk Southern as the primary source of lengthy blockages because of a transfer area near Klax convenience store where trains are reformed.
"The main culprit is Norfolk Southern," a councilman said, describing a transfer point that requires trains to be reconfigured in town. Council members said federal and local funding has been approved for a new transfer station sited away from central Chester but that the project cannot begin until federal funds are obligated and the transfer station will likely be at least two years away.
In the interim, councilmembers said they are working to improve communications with Norfolk Southern so first responders and public-safety agencies receive timely notice of blockages; they also said they would seek to keep bypass routes and key arterials open when possible. Council members said they will publicize typical times when blockages occur so residents can plan routes.
Council members asked Norfolk Southern to meet with the council once the county and rail company agree on a plan so the company can be held to the commitments it makes.
Council members also noted related crossings and signal issues beyond Chester, including blockages affecting Richburg and Fort Lawn. Staff said they will catalog crossings and identify which railroad owns each crossing to coordinate follow-up.
