Aberdeen board approves NCDOT-led $3.2 million rail-crossing safety project on South Street

Aberdeen — The Aberdeen Town Board voted Aug. 12 to approve Resolution 24-20 authorizing an agreement with the NCDOT rail division, CSX and Carolina Western Railroad Company for safety improvements at the South Street rail crossing.

Chair told the board the rail division described the work as “literally their largest project they’ve ever done from the rails division” and said the total project cost was presented in the packet at about $3.2 million. He said the town’s contribution is primarily landscaping along the Sycamore approach and limited, non‑monetary right‑of‑way assistance; recurring annual landscaping and maintenance for that portion was estimated to be around $1,600 once built.

Why it matters: board members said the intersection has long been on NCDOT’s safety list because two rail lines cross near South Street and roadway geometry changes have elevated the safety concern. Approving the agreement moves design and construction forward under the interagency arrangement described in the packet.

Board action: after discussion, a motion and second were offered and the board approved the resolution by voice vote. The chair said staff will notify residents about construction schedules and any temporary disruption once timetables are available.

What the packet said: staff summarized expected work to reconfigure the roadway approaches near the crossing, install rail‑safety hardware, and restore landscaping; the rail division will lead construction and most capital costs, with the town’s role limited to finishing landscaping and preserving pedestrian walkways at the site. The agreement and technical exhibits were reviewed by the town attorney according to meeting remarks.

Next steps: staff will coordinate with NCDOT and the railroad on scheduling and public notices; the chair said he will share more detailed timelines with the board when they become available.